| Dr. Kestner: Unique suggestions for parents sending kids back to school |
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By: DR. MARK KESTNER, Post Columnist
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Posted: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 8:03 am
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Antimicrobial hand sanitizer: Check
Action figure/American Idol lunchbox: Check
Assortment of 300 colored pencils and markers: Check
Calculator capable of plotting the next Mars mission: Check
New version of multi-language, politically correct textbooks: Check
Large capacity backpack/tow-motor to carry all of the above: Check
Back-to-school time is about more than purchasing the essentials at the big-box stores.
At the risk of being simply another article among many that address this annual event, I wanted to share a few ideas that I have gathered from friends. I can’t take credit for any of these thoughtful suggestions. They are simply a collection of thoughts and ideas that are appropriate for this week’s column.
1. Want a great school year for you and your child?
Start it off right with some enthusiasm. This is a great time to really share the excitement of beginning a new chapter in the educational and developmental experience of your child. Think twice about complaining about the costs of things, the hassles, the traffic, the other aggravations involved.
Focus on the positive expectations of what this year will bring. New friends, new skills, new subjects, new privileges and responsibilities are something to look forward to. – parent/professor that teaches teachers
2. Listen to your child to uncover any hesitations, fears, worries, or concerns about the upcoming year.
Many kids are facing a new environment, new grade level, new location or other changes that can sometimes be intimidating. Take some time to try to uncover these concerns in a way that will allow you both to learn how to overcome the worry.
Talking to other kids that have been through it can help. Talk about the times you went through similar transitions so they know you understand their concern. Help them talk about the things that might be in the back of their minds. – grandparent
3. Whenever your child gets new books, take some time to sit with him to browse through the books, all the way to the end.
See what the entire course is about. Express your own curiosity about the subject. You’ll have a better idea of what your child is expected to learn and they will be able to develop a big-picture idea of where they are headed.
– parent of elementary school children
4. Realize that a successful school year is a marathon, not a sprint.
Plan now to arrange time each week to touch base on the activities of their school life. This includes academic, social, athletic, and extra-curricular activities. It is very easy to get caught up in the routine of the busy-ness of the school year and overlook the need to set aside time to monitor progress.
– coach/father
5. Discuss expectations with your child ahead of time.
If you think your child is capable of A+ work, tell her so. Let them know that you will help them in any way to do their best work. Help them learn to recognize when they are making excuses and focus attention on finding solutions.
Children (and adults) will work harder if they have influential people such as parents, teachers, relatives and friends expressing genuine interest in their achievements.
– parent of three excellent students
6. If problems arise involving teachers, other students or parents, avoid getting caught up in petty, counter-productive emotional warfare that often accompanies kids activities.
Focus on agreeable solutions rather than the blame game. Your child is learning from how you handle situations like this just as much as from the classroom.
– middle school teacher
7. Share prayer time with your kids.
Show children through your example that prayer is talking to God regularly and expressing your thoughts, happiness, worries, disappointments and inviting God to be a constant part of your life. This demonstrates to kids that they matter not only to their family, but to God as well and that God is always present.
– grandfather
There’s no reason our community cannot be the best group of parents, teachers and students in the country. Share these ideas with friends. I hope you and your children have the best school year ever!
Next week: Seven simple tips that can save you thousands of dollars!
Dr. Mark Kestner
mkestner@DrKestner.com
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