You may be breathing a sigh of relief as your kids return to school. But now is also the time to put a few tasks and routines in place to give them the best chance of having a successful school year.
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Don’t let Back-to-School Night slip by
Your older children especially may tell you that it’s safe to skip Back-to-School night. But don’t. You’ll be better able to support your child if you meet the teachers of each class and understand their expectations. Make a note of (or ask) how they will assign homework and how quickly they will update grades on the website. If your child has any disability or special circumstances, even without a formal IEP, make sure the teachers know.
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Get to know the school website
You should insist on obtaining your student’s login and password so that you can confirm upcoming tests and check to see if your child has any incomplete assignments. The website will also give you warning of upcoming holidays and events — much better than relying on your child to provide timely and accurate information.
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Healthy, hearty breakfasts
Your kids can be good at wearing you down, grabbing for a pop tart on the way to the bus stop, but do your best to reach a compromise on a nutritious breakfast. Foods that are rich in whole grains, fiber and protein, and low in added sugar, will boost your child’s executive function skills, including ability to focus, memorize and problem solve. And generally have a better disposition!
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Enough sleep
Nutrition and sleep go hand-in-hand. Teens need 8-10 hours sleep per night, younger children up to 11 hours. Too little sleep impairs executive functioning, leading to your child being unable to pay attention, remember assignments or do their best work. Routines are your friend: establish a standard bedtime each school night and a consistent waking-up process.
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Help with organization and time management
You can tell by emptying your child’s bookbag if they have developed a sense of organization. If you see a pile of unfiled sheets of paper, candy wrappers and broken pencils, you should take a hand in helping them organize their materials. Show them how to keep their own calendar and, just as important, maintain a family calendar so that no-one gets surprised by conflicting demands for rides or unexpected school events.
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Develop and stick to homework routines
Consistency is key to avoiding battles over homework. Schedule homework hour each day on your family calendar. Start it the same way each day, turning off the TV and removing distractions. Experiment with an audio cue, like soft music, to signal the start of homework. Each child should have their own homework space. If your student tends to procrastinate by getting up to get a glass of water, then walking over to the pencil sharpener, head those behaviors off by having a pitcher of water on the table at the start of the homework hour. Maintain a homework kit with every school supply they might need.
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Ask your child about school
“How was school today, son?” “Fine.” Teens are often not very communicative! But make an effort to get them to talk about their day. Even if they brush you off, they need to know that you care about their success and happiness in school. Here’s an article with good advice on how to talk to your child. Hint: ask open-ended questions.
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Get involved
We know, not every parent is a stay-at-home mom with hours to spend volunteering in the classroom or running the PTA (God bless you if you are, you are playing such an important role). But do what you can to show your child that their education is important to you. Attend school plays. Work the concession stand at weekend sports events. Support fundraising efforts.
Many of these tips are easier said than done. But be persistent and systematic and your kids will adapt to the routines you put in place — and be happier for it. And remember, if your child is having particular difficulty with any subject, In-Home Tutors can send in an expert, patient tutor. And HomeworkCoach can help develop those all-important executive function skills.
