• 10 Ways to Help Your Child

     

        With Homework

     

    *      Let your child know that homework is important and valuable.

    *      Set a regular time each day for homework, allowing some time to unwind before getting started.

    *      Be sure your child has all essentials, such as papers, books, school notebooks, and pencils.

    *      Help your child get organized!

    *      Have a quiet, clean, and well-lit place to study.

    *      Discourage distractions, including TV, during study time.  Allow study breaks at intervals.

    *      Be available to answer questions or help quiz your child, but keep homework as his or her responsibility.

    *      Spot check homework when it’s completed, but don’t correct assignments unless asked to do so.

    *      Read any comments the teacher has made on returned assignments.

    *      If a homework problem arises, contact the teacher for clarification.

     

        

        Be Responsible

     

    *      Establish family rules and be consistent about carrying out consequences. 

    *      Provide opportunities for choices.  Start with which bedtime story to hear or which socks to wear. 

       *      Praise your child for completing responsibilities. 

       *      Teach good health and safety habits.  Children need to learn to care for themselves.

       *      Make it your child’s responsibility to get all homework done on time.

       *      Help your child get organized. Keep all schoolwork in one place, write  down assignments, and file papers!

       *      Divide big tasks into smaller parts, so that success will encourage your child to tackle new responsibilities.

       *      As your child matures, offer ways to earn, save, and manage money.

       *      Encourage concern for the feelings and needs of others in your family and community.

     
     Manage Anger

     

    *      Explain that anger is normal-it’s how we manage it that counts. 

    *      Help your child identify signs of anger, from the obvious (yelling) to the subtle (a tummy ache).

    *      Show understanding.  You might say “I can see that you’re angry because....”

    *      Teach proven “cool-down” techniques.  Count to 10, 20 or 100; or take slow, deep breaths.

    *      Have your child write a list of ways to handle anger better next time.  Play-acting can help, too.

    *      Encourage your child to talk about feelings in order to find the root of the anger.

    *      Keep your child healthy, with enough rest and nutritious foods.

    *      Limit your child’s viewing of violence in the media.

    *      Help your child handle stress.  Listen to soothing music, exercise, and play with a pet.

    *      Remind your child to respect the rights and feelings of others.
Last Modified on September 1, 2012