Guest post by Yana Bekker, 4th-year medical student at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Ulrick Vieux, DO, MS
Summer vacation is over and it is the start of a new school year! Here are some pointers to help your child have a successful academic year.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
One of the most important lessons your child will need to learn is how to respect authority. A little courtesy can go a long way in building character and developing a strong mind. If your children do not learn to respect teachers and peers, they may hinder their own success before it has a chance to blossom. Proper guidance begins at home. Teach your children not to interrupt while guests speak and how to use their inside voice instead of yelling when they wish to be heard.
How to Communicate Effectively
Unfortunately, school is no longer the innocent environment it once was. Teach your kids to voice their concerns or any problems they are experiencing, such as being bullied verbally or physically. As a parent, your job is to make sure your child knows whom to seek out in emergencies, such as the school’s guidance counselors and health staff. Knowing he or she can confide in someone can help a child gain confidence and perspective and feel nurtured.
Communication begins at home, too. Actively participate in your children’s school experience by asking about their day, what the hardest part about it was and what concerns they have for the week ahead. Know who their friends are and, more importantly, what kind of relationship they have with them.
Organization
Structure is key to success. When your children come home, and before they engage in any activities, have them write down their assignments and tasks so that both you and they know what has to be done for the following day. This will help create a level of organization that will translate to every aspect of their lives. It is also important to teach your children to anticipate upcoming projects so they avoid leaving everything to the last minute.
Proper Study Techniques
Early in their educational journeys, children should be taught proper study habits. A successful learning environment includes a room free of distraction—including cellphones, TV and music—where a child can focus on the task at hand. Teach him or her how to use the Internet as a proper tool for guidance and education instead of entertainment. Observe how he or she studies to see if anything needs to be improved upon, such as providing a brighter lamp to prevent eye strain, or buying an ergonomic chair to avoid poor posture.
Learn When to Ask for Help
Children can slip through the cracks in their education if they are not made aware that they can always ask for help. The Internet offers a world of possibility for children to get help with their studies. Note the subjects your child will be learning and search for helpful websites that will provide explanations to difficult problems. Sites like YouTube can be a tremendous resource for learning, as they offer a unique visual component for explaining subjects, such as algebra or calculus, in a way a child can follow. Use an iPad or other device to find educational applications.
For additional help, find out what resources the school can offer your child in times of need or afterschool activities your child can participate in. Discuss with other parents or teachers what tutoring services they have found helpful. Ask your child’s teachers how they prefer to be reached if your child needs clarification on an assignment, whether by e-mail or in person.
Know When to Take a Break and Have a Little Fun
Education can be very competitive and stressful, and the desire for the perfect GPA can drive even the brightest minds into the ground. Provide your children with activities they can engage in to minimize stress and maximize a healthy lifestyle. Ask what their ideal activity would be after having a stressful day, or how you can help them deal with midterms. Create a reward system that extends beyond a focus on grades while establishing the idea that rewards must be earned.
While it is ultimately up to your child to achieve success in education, remember that your involvement as a parent is key.