Healthy snack choices encourage positive food habits
Healthy food is fuel for growing bodies and brains. To help your child learn to make nutritious food choices, create an "anytime" shelf in your refrigerator. Stock it with a selection of healthy foods such as carrot sticks, broccoli "trees," cheese, chunks of melon and raisins. Then allow your child to help himself from this shelf any time he is hungry. He'll like choosing, and you'll know he's making healthy choices.
https://tpitip.com/?11jR18889
Get to the heart of homework problems
If your student never seems to do homework, the situation calls for problem-solving. Instead of criticizing, ask questions: Is he afraid of missing the bus if he takes time to gather the materials he needs? Are his books too heavy for his long walk home? Does he routinely check the online notices for the class? Once you and your teen have identified the issue, you can discuss ways to solve it.
https://tpitip.com/?31jM18889
Share strategies for success on tests right from the start
Before your teen starts to answer test questions, she should do a few things that can make a difference to her score. Teach your teen to write down key information she's studied, like formulas or dates, at the top so she'll have them to refer to when answering questions. Then she should read the instructions carefully and figure out how much time she has for each question. Now she's ready to do her best.
https://tpitip.com/?31jL18889
Address mistakes respectfully and privately
Elementary school students are learning the social skills that help make a classroom comfortable and productive, such as how to treat people with respect. When your child makes mistakes, don't point them out in front of others. That will only make him ashamed, not teach him to be considerate. Ask yourself what he needs to learn, then teach him those skills one-on-one.
https://tpitip.com/?11jL18889
Missing school changes lives … and not in a good way
Sooner or later, every teen will stumble out of bed and whine, "Do I have to do school today?" Your answer can be short and simple: "Yes." Students who often miss school earn lower grades than those who attend regularly. They may not learn the foundation skills needed to understand the next unit's material. What's more, they don't develop the responsible habits that will make them successful in life.
https://tpitip.com/?31jK18889
Daily conversations show your child that schoolwork matters
Talking with your child about school shows her you care about her life and her education. Make it a regular habit to have your child show you at least one example of her schoolwork each day. Comment on progress she's making, praise her effort and encourage her to do her best work. You'll learn more about what your child is learning, and your child will learn that schoolwork is important.
https://tpitip.com/?11jK18889
Share tips for creating a study group that really works
Study groups can help teens strengthen and enhance learning. When forming a study group, your teen should choose members he knows and likes, but who aren't such good friends that socializing overpowers learning. Group members should write down goals and create a plan for meeting them. Taking turns leading the group encourages all members to share the responsibility for its success.
https://tpitip.com/?31jH18889
Anger often masks other emotions
Disrespectful, angry children may be perfectionists—and very good students. Or they may show their anger and disrespect by doing poorly in school. Anger and disrespect are often a cover for other emotions, such as fear or frustration. If your child has recently begun behaving defiantly, think about what's changed in her life. Ask what's bothering her and say you want to help. Then discuss ways to change her behavior.
https://tpitip.com/?11jH18889
Discuss ways your teen can contribute to school safety
Students can do a lot to help make school a safe place. Talk to your teen about actions she could take. For example, she could train to be a peer counselor and help others settle disputes. Encourage her to make new students feel welcome and part of the school. And if your teen is aware that someone has made threats or has a weapon on school property, she should report it immediately.
https://tpitip.com/?31jG18889
Teach listening by example
There isn't a class at school called "Listening." That's because listening is important in ALL school classes. One of the best ways to teach your child to listen is to set an example. Each day, set aside some time to talk about school. Ask questions to get the ball rolling. Then stop what you're doing and pay attention to what your child is saying. Make eye contact as you listen, and give your child time to put thoughts into words.
https://tpitip.com/?11jG18889
Academic fitness helps your teen compete in life
Schools across the nation are working to help students become "academically fit" so they can succeed in an increasingly competitive world. To help at home, set high (but still realistic) expectations for your teen's achievement. Encourage daily reading and frequent writing. Then, find out what he is learning in core subjects like math, science, history and English, and help him relate the material to what's going on in the world or in your lives.
https://tpitip.com/?31jF18889
A 'checkbook' can help your child account for money
Giving a child an allowance is one way to teach financial responsibility. But you may not always have the right cash on hand. Give your child a "checkbook." Make up some checks that look like the real thing. On the first day of the month, "deposit" your child's allowance in the checkbook. When he needs to make a purchase, he can write you a check, and you can pay for the item. He'll get practice writing and learn math skills in the bargain.
https://tpitip.com/?11jF18889
Bust the myths that prevent math success
Does your teen believe that "You're either born a math person or you're not"? This is a common math myth. Give your teen the facts: Great teaching and hard work are what make someone a math person. Here's another myth to bust: "Math takes too much memorization and repetition." The truth is that math is about learning patterns. Once a student is familiar with them, the problems make sense and the math starts to be fun.
https://tpitip.com/?31jD18889
Rev up your read-aloud routine
Want to strengthen your child's vocabulary, improve her reading scores and have fun…all in 20 minutes a day? Read aloud! Try these hints for effective read-alouds: Pick a regular reading time and stick to it. Look for books you'll both like. If you preview them yourself first, you can read them aloud with style for your child. Finally, stop each reading session while your child is still eager to hear what will happen next.
https://tpitip.com/?11jD18889
Stop a tobacco habit before it starts
According to one survey, teens are most likely to begin smoking between the ages of 13 and 15. And the fact is that people who start smoking as teens also have a harder time quitting. Discuss the dangers of tobacco use in all its forms (including vaping) with your teen, and remind her that once she begins she may not be able to stop. Don't wait until your teen gets older before discouraging tobacco use. By then, it may be too late.
https://tpitip.com/?31id18889
Reach out to the counselor with questions or concerns about school
Whether your child is facing pandemic-related issues or you have more typical learning or development questions, the school counselor is a great resource. Here are just a few of the issues you can talk about together: Concerns about schoolwork and school access. Worries about any social or discipline issues. Your child's strengths, limitations or special needs. Thoughts about your student's education goals. Counselors even help elementary schoolers begin to think about career interests.
https://tpitip.com/?11id18889
Help your teen make smart choices when dealing with peer pressure
Peer pressure can be both positive and negative. But all peer pressure requires kids to make a decision: "Should I do what others want me to do?" Discuss peer pressure with your teen. Ask, "How would you feel if you gave in?" Role-play ways to handle peer-pressure situations, such as by using humor. And stick to your rules and values. Your teen may test them, but you'll reinforce your message if you say "That is not OK."
https://tpitip.com/?31ic18889
Families are valued partners in education
There is a mountain of evidence showing that family engagement makes a big difference in children's education. Your involvement can improve student achievement and attendance, and give your child a more positive attitude toward school. Plus, you'll get a better understanding of school programs and policies. Ask the teacher or principal how you can get involved.
https://tpitip.com/?11ic18889
Share tips for finding friends
Teens sometimes think they'd have more friends if they were in the popular crowd. But to make friends, all they need to do is look for other kids who are seeking friendships, too. Encourage your teen to look for signs of openness, such as making room for someone to sit down. Then she can show interest by asking questions. "I always see you with that case. What instrument do you play?" Remind your teen that new friendships take time to grow.
https://tpitip.com/?31ib18889
Give your child the facts about tough topics
Experts say the best time to begin talking to kids about difficult issues is when they are between ages nine and 11. They're old enough to grasp the complexity of an issue. But they're still young enough to listen. When you talk together, find out what your child already knows. Share facts without exaggerating, and explain your position. Then set a good example by making sure your actions support your words.
https://tpitip.com/?11ib18889