Helping your child succeed in school! Part 1

Heeello Parents,

Schools have just resumed and there is the issue of work, school runs and managing the home front. I can attest to the fact that its not easy. But if our children are to succeed in school, we need to make sure we are there for them. We cant tell them to do well in school and we fail to support them. Most of us parents believe that the school is the sole carer of our children, and because we have paid the tuition fees, the teachers should ensure our kids succeed, (this is contracting parenting). As a parent and a teacher i beg to differ, it takes both the teacher and parent for our children to succeed in school.

The teachers will do their part, the schools will ensure that (because they do not want to loose their integrity). But as parents we have our own share of the work, and believe me its not a small one.

Before i give us tips on how to help our children succeed in school, i will like to ask the following questions:

1. What curriculum is used in your child's school?
2. What is the name of your child's teacher?
3. Mention the names of 4 children in your child's class.
4. When was the last time you attended a Parents Teachers Forum?
5. When was the last time you went through your children's homework?
6. Have you ever attended an 'open day' or a 'parent-teacher conference'?
If you can answer all of the above questions positively, BRAVO! you are up to date with your child and doing a good job. If you cant answer some or all of the questions, then that is your assignment for the week.

Tips on helping your child succeed in school:

First, make sure your child does homework! Get a quiet place, with a table and chair, away from the television. If you are one of those who get home late, get someone to help with the homework, but ensure that you go through when you get back.

Second, get to know your child's teacher because you are both partners in your child's progress and you will need to be speaking with him/her regularly on your child's progress and challenges.

Third, join the school's PTA. This will help you keep abreast of whats happening in the school. Please don't attend PTA ready for a fight. Attend with positive ideas to help the school improve based on issues you have noticed.

Looking forward to any questions you might have!
Part 2 ................ SOON! Till then, keep making time for your children.