It has been shown many times over in research studies that a parent who is involved in their child's education has a positive impact. It's reflected in improved grades and test scores, strong attendance, a higher rate of homework completion, higher graduation rates, improved attitudes and behaviors in the child, as well as the child being more likely to become involved in positive extra-curricular activities. Send out the message early in your child's education that your home is an involved and active supporter of their learning.
Probably the most important element of a positive learning environment at home is structure. But what is too little or too much? If we're too lenient or expect too little, your child may become disorganized or unmotivated. If we're too rigid and strict, it can cause undue pressure or cause your child to feel unable to deliver on your expectations.
So what's the best way to meet in the middle and create a positive learning environment for your child at home?
Help your child develop a work area where they can study and focus without being interrupted. Children usually do better when they have a private study area away from interruption. If your child prefers doing their work at the kitchen table, make sure other family members understand the kitchen is off-limits during study time. Make sure your child has plenty of supplies and reference materials available and that the area has plenty of light. Regardless of its location, ensure the area is quiet and that your child can study and work uninterrupted.
Agree on a regular time for studying. To help your child make homework a habit, schedule a set time each day for homework. Perhaps breaking study time up into smaller increments would work better for your child than one solid period. Work with your child to find out what works best for them. In addition, be sure your child has a sufficient break between the time they arrive home from school before they sit down to work in order to 'decompress' from their school day.
Help your child develop a method of keeping track of homework assignments. This can be a difficult chore for some students. Developing a successful way of keeping track of assignments then scratching them off as completed helps them develop a productive method for accomplishing tasks later in life.
Develop a positive line of communication with your child's teacher. Teachers are usually very willing and excited to work with an involved parent to help the child's overall success in school.
Whether it's notes sent back and forth in your child's backpack or an e-mail correspondence, make sure your teacher knows your open for suggestions as how to better assist them in the homework and study process at home.
The Truth About Lying
Young children often make up stories and tell tall tales. This is normal activity ...
the_truth_about_lying.php
Clear Expectations Make Discipline Easier
Sit down with your child well in advance and line out the expectations and consequenc...
clear_expectations_make_discipline_easier.php
Do As I Say And As I Do
It's important to be responsible, consistent and loving with your child. This also holds true for the rel...
do_as_i_say_and_as_i_do.php
The Keys To Effective Discipline
Discipline should be based on a child's age, development and tem...
the_keys_to_effective_discipline.php
Chores Can Help Your Child Learn About Teamwork And A Strong Work Ethic
Allow your child to have an active say in the delega...
chores_can_help_your_child_learn_about_teamwork_and_a_strong_work_ethic.php
Tactics For Tackling A Toddlers Temper Tantrum
Toddlers are trying to master the world and when they aren't able to accom...
tactics_for_tackling_a_toddlers_temper_tantrum.php
Positive Discipline Without Hurting Your Child
Our goal when disciplining our children is to teach them to be responsible, cooperative, kind and respectfu...
positive_discipline_without_hurting_your_child.php
Encourage Your Child To Feel Important
In contrast, for children who do not feel important or cherished have low self-esteem, and...
encourage_your_child_to_feel_important.php
Constructing Your Childs Healthy Sense Of Self Esteem
What are some good ways to built self esteem in your child? ...
constructing_your_childs_healthy_sense_of_self_esteem.php
Our Ever Changing Role As A Parent
As your child has grown, you undoubtedly have discovered they ha...
our_ever_changing_role_as_a_parent.php
Harsh Discipline Does It Do More Harm Than Good
The study's finding showed that parents from ...
harsh_discipline_does_it_do_more_harm_than_good.php
Consistency Is Key To Successful Discipline
It's also that each partner is consistent with the discipline. If one parent is too strict ...
consistency_is_key_to_successful_discipline.php
The Whys Of Whining
It's irritating, it's frustrating and it gets on your last nerve. Though it's obnoxious and unacceptable, it's a...
the_whys_of_whining.php
Training The Fussy Eater
Establishing healthy eating patterns is important to avoid problem...
training_the_fussy_eater.php
Providing A Safe And Secure Home For Your Child
In your kitchen, you should be sure to install safety latches on cabinets...
providing_a_safe_and_secure_home_for_your_child.php
Encouraging Play Encourages A Childs Development
We all know that children like to play. But what we may not know is the importanc...
encouraging_play_encourages_a_childs_development.php
Handling Conflict About Rules Enforcement At Home
It's never easy developing and introducing rul...
handling_conflict_about_rules_enforcement_at_home.php
You Cant Spoil A Child Through Love
It's a parent's job to provide love, safety and encouragement. The process of growing up provides children ...
you_cant_spoil_a_child_through_love.php
Postive Praise For Your Childs Pride
When you praise your child, you are pointing out the way ...
postive_praise_for_your_childs_pride.php
The Importance Of A Regular Routine To Your Child
As they gets older, when a child knows what is going to happen and who is g...
the_importance_of_a_regular_routine_to_your_child.php
Building Your Childs Self Esteem
Your child also benefits greatly from honest and positive praise. Find something about them to p...
building_your_childs_self_esteem.php
Expect Only The Best From Your Child
Praise your child often when they perform a goo...
expect_only_the_best_from_your_child.php
The Importance Of Crystal Clear Rules For Your Child
It's a very important role in your parenting responsibilities. Children must make d...
the_importance_of_crystal_clear_rules_for_your_child.php
Childs Uniqueness
Allow your child to express themselves through ...
childs_uniqueness.php
Because Just Isnt The Answer
Younger children usually do not understand a le...
because_just_isnt_the_answer.php
Chart Your Childs Accomplishments With A Chore Chart
Once you've sat down with your child and discussed and designed a chore chart, it's time to discuss the rewar...
chart_your_childs_accomplishments_with_a_chore_chart.php
Interrupt Your Childs Interruption Habit
First of all, set a reasonable expectation. School-aged chil...
interrupt_your_childs_interruption_habit.php
Successful Two Way Communications With Your Child
Yet we seem to find it's perfectly acceptable to discuss things with the...
successful_two_way_communications_with_your_child.php
Productive And Positive Potty Training
Explain to your toddler that going potty...
productive_and_positive_potty_training.php
Take The Bite Out Of Your Toddlers Biting Problem
Another reason toddlers bite is to express frustration, a feeling which is very common with toddlers, ...
take_the_bite_out_of_your_toddlers_biting_problem.php
Actively Listening To Your Child
It seems to be a natural tendency to react rather t...
actively_listening_to_your_child.php
The Detrimental Effects Of Verbal Abuse And How To Stop The Cycle
That's just not true. Name-calling hurts -- especially w...
the_detrimental_effects_of_verbal_abuse_and_how_to_stop_the_cycle.php
Parenting-Partner-Page
...
Parenting-Partner-Page.php
Teach Your Child To Give Respect And They Will Gain Respect In Return
Keep in mind the saying ...
teach_your_child_to_give_respect_and_they_will_gain_respect_in_return.php
Get Involved In Your Childs Activities Hobbies And School
But where do you get involved? With to...
get_involved_in_your_childs_activities_hobbies_and_school.php
Parenting Tip
Now keep in mind that involves wearing two hats at the same t...
parenting_tip.php
Physical Punishment Is Ineffective And Harmful
It is crucial for parents to gain an awareness of other approaches to discipline because it is all too simple for physic...
physical_punishment_is_ineffective_and_harmful.php
Negotiating Rules
Rules that keep our children safe are of the utmost importance. These could include everything from tea...
negotiating_rules.php
Teen Parenting
The best thing you can do for teen parenting is to be understanding, as much as po...
teen_parenting.php
Teach Children To Respect By Treating Them With Respect
The most effective way to teach children this lesson is by modeling the behavior you want to encourage. Every ...
teach_children_to_respect_by_treating_them_with_respect.php
Hobbies Are Healthy
Children who have hobbies are usually following in their parents footsteps, so set a good example by...
hobbies_are_healthy.php
Time Outs Help Reinforce Positive Behavior And Discourage Misbehaving
Designate an appropriate area in the house where the child is isolated from ...
time_outs_help_reinforce_positive_behavior_and_discourage_misbehaving.php
The Family That Eats Together Stays Healthy Together
Designate no less than one night per week to have a sit-do...
the_family_that_eats_together_stays_healthy_together.php
Follow Thorugh Is The Key To Successful Discipline
Hopefully before any misdeeds occur, you've sat down with your child and discussed the consequenc...
follow_thorugh_is_the_key_to_successful_discipline.php
Help Your Child Kick The Thumbsucking Habit
Parents shouldn't concern themselves unless it continues after the a...
help_your_child_kick_the_thumbsucking_habit.php
Protect Your Childs Emotional Well Being
The first three years of life are critical in a number of ways. This is when bonding and...
protect_your_childs_emotional_well_being.php
Present A Unified Parental Front When Disciplining Your Child
Parents should agree on how to discipline their children. To become reliable to children, both parents must be cons...
present_a_unified_parental_front_when_disciplining_your_child.php
Control Your Anger Don't Let It Control You
As a parent, you have a wonderful opportunity to undo th...
control_your_anger_don't_let_it_control_you.php
Connect With Your Child But Dont Overdo It
But is there such a thing as too much involvement? It's imperative whe...
connect_with_your_child_but_dont_overdo_it.php
Learn From Your Mistakes And So Will Your Child
The process of making and learning from mista...
learn_from_your_mistakes_and_so_will_your_child.php
Good Parenting
Availability...
good_parenting.php
Celebrate Your Childs Uniqueness
Allow your child to express themselves through their interests. They may find a creative outlet in thea...
celebrate_your_childs_uniqueness.php