Whether you are sending your child off to preschool, middle school, high school or college, a new school year has begun. While some children love school and anticipate the first day with excitement, others groan when they think about school. For me, I looked forward to starting school, and especially loved the day I went shopping for new clothes and school supplies with my mom.
Education is an important value in our home. For my boys, I model and teach good success habits so they can be successful in school. With these ideas, your children can be well on their way to experiencing a successful school year.
Establish Routines for Morning, After School and Bedtime
Morning, after school and bedtime routines provide consistency and structure for a child. They help children stay organized and instill good lifestyle habits. Post routines for your children outlining each specific step you want them to take. Be consistent and help your children practice these routines. When my older son Kai was diagnosed with ADHD in 3rd grade, routines kept him organized and contributed greatly to his success in school.
Teach Your Children How to Set Goals
Once you believe your children are old enough to understand, begin teaching them how to set goals. With children under age 12, keep it simple. Ask them to set one academic goal and one behavioral goal. For example, I will allow plenty of time to work on projects instead of procrastinating. Behavioral goals can include showing more respect, getting along with brothers or sisters, or doing chores on time. After age 12, show your children how to set bigger goals that require more action steps, or encourage them to set three or four goals each year. Have fun with your children creating a colorful goals sheet or vision board so they can be reminded of their goals.
Communication is Essential
Last year was a challenging year for my younger son. Constant communication with him and regular check ins with his teacher were critical to helping him be successful in school. A child will not always readily share what is going on at school. While some may openly share the ups and downs, for others it is necessary to ask open ended questions that encourage them to talk. Children will share more easily when parents are emotionally available and can listen without judgment. Create a space during bedtime or playtime to allow your children to freely communicate with you.
Help Your Child Identify His Interests and Talents
Have your ever noticed how some kids have natural talent for singing, some children are gifted academically, and others have a special knack for taking apart and putting things back together? That’s what is so great about children. Each child is unique and special. With all the competition and comparisons in school today, it can be easy for a child to get discouraged and feel bad about himself. Instead, help your child recognize what her strengths are by paying attention to what gives her energy, and what activities she naturally gravitates towards. Encourage your child to embrace his natural interests and talents instead of trying to be like someone else.
Keep Your Child’s Stress to a Minimum
Stress is all around us, and children are not immune to it. Children deal with their own stress: peer pressure or school bullies, intense sports competition, and academic struggles. Stay tuned in to what could be causing stress for your child. It’s never too early to learn stress management techniques. In our home, we regularly work with our seven year old, teaching him how to plan better, control negative thinking, or combat fears and anxieties. Keep the family calendar balanced by minimizing after school and evening activities. Take care of yourself and your family by modeling healthy eating, exercise and proper sleep.
Success in school is a building block to success later in life. Using these tips will help you and your child create and celebrate a successful school year.