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Make This Year a Total Success
September is upon us and it brings many new beginnings. Perhaps the most obvious is the kids are back to school and this marks the start of a brand new school year. For many kids and parents, this can be an anxious time. However, there are a few simple tips that can help make for a successful year.
1. Believe:
Believing in your child is the most powerful tool! Be positive this year is going to be better than the last, even if the last year 
rocked. These children are looking to their parents or guardians and their teachers for support. If you believe in them, they will also believe in themselves. Take the time to tell them how much you believe in them. Spend less time focusing on where they are struggling and more time focusing on the ways they are awesome! A positive attitude never hurt anyone!
2. Foster Independence:
I can promise you that teachers do not assign homework for you! There is no denying that homework time can be a battle and is often fueled by frustration. There are several ways to alleviate this. First, if your child can not do the homework, it is time to talk to the teacher. There is something going on with either the student, the content, the teacher or a combination of all. You will be surprised at how helpful a teacher can be if you actually approach him/her with an issue. Next, create an independent homework situation. A designated homework spot at a designated time can be incredibly effective. If your child is very defiant about homework time, try a positive rewards system. For example, if you finish your homework every night this week you can earn a ______________.
3. Communicate with the Teacher:
If your child is struggling at home about in-school issues, don’t just sit by. Get in touch with the teacher directly. Although some people may disagree, a teacher is there to see your child succeed. They can’t be at your house and are not always aware of what may be bothering a student. A happy student is a happy teacher. You should never feel as though you are bothering a teacher by letting him or her know about an issue. If the teacher is truly dedicated to the profession, they will be more than happy to work with you.
4. Let Go of Anxiety About the Standards:
Let’s face it folks, education is ever-changing and these new Common Core Standards are yet another major change. And yes, everyone is aflutter about them. However, we can not lose sight about what happens to the students when we are anxious about these changes. They feel it at school and at home. For now, the standards are here and it is your job as a parent to be in the present. The present education system in RI has implemented the Common Core State Standards and fighting it at home only puts the student at a disadvantage. I am not suggesting that they are right or wrong or that you should just remain silent about your beliefs. I am suggesting that you be present with your child and support what he/she is doing in school even if you disagree. A parent who does not believe in what the school is doing (at least in the eyes of your child) can create a disheartened and unmotivated student. This helps no one.
5. Trust the Teacher:
Trust that the teacher is there for all the right reasons because they are. They want to see your child succeed just as much as you do. Even more, they want to be a part of that success. If a teacher tells you something that is hard to hear, remember why that teacher is telling you. Consider the teacher one of your child’s most important allies. I can guarantee you they never, ever stop thinking about the students and ways they can adapt their teaching to help each and EVERY student succeed. A dedicated teacher leaves no child behind and they also know the true meaning of such a phrase.
6. Follow Through at Home:
Everyone knows how long a work day or a school day can be, but please, please, please…follow through at home. If you and the teacher make an agreement to implement a plan, be sure and do your part. If the teacher asks you to participate in some way at home, you owe it to your child to do so. Whether it be a reading log, backpack check, note returned or what have you…make it a point to do your part no matter how tired you are. I promise, that teacher is tired too but will certainly be waiting anxiously to see that you are on his or her side.
7. School Matters:
Chances are you had a very different school experience than your child. There is also a good chance your experience was not so great. This does not mean your child will have the same experience as you, so hide your negative feelings towards school and teach your kids that school matters.
8. Attend Events that Matter to your Child:
There are a few events throughout the year that are the make-it or break-it events for each child. And, these events are different for each kid. If your child works tirelessly on creating a poem anthology and is so psyched about it, you had better be at that poetry slam. If your avid flute player (please note, I said avid this does not necessarily mean good) is going to be playing at a concert, that is where you should be. It is all too often you see a kid scanning the audience, we all know who they are looking for. Be there!
9. Have a Sense of Humor:
School is serious, standards are serious, homework is serious and social interactions can be serious. Remind your child that these are only moments and they will pass. Lighten the mood with some humor, I am sure it will be well received. You can be serious about school and still have fun.
10. Raise Good People:
All numbers and letters aside, teach your kids to be good people. Let them know about intentions and how they can realize the difference between good and bad intentions. Often kids do not think about the aftermath of their behaviors because they are not asked to do so. If you are acting with good intentions, chances are the outcome will be good too. Parents, always consider your intentions as well. After all, you are their most influential teacher!
