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From a child's point of view, school may often seem to last an eternity. But, on average, a child spends more than 120 hours a week at home and less than 40 hours at school. As a parent, you have more time with your child than his or her teachers, meaning it's your responsibility to ensure your home is a learning environment that complements the classroom. The ten questions and answers below will help you make sure that your child's time at home supports his or her success in school.
1. How should I prepare my child for the school day?
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Try to make sure your child goes to school fed and well rested with all of his/her homework completed.
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2. What should I do to help my child with his/her homework?
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Find out what your child's homework assignments are. Turn off the TV and create a study space for him/her. Help your child with his/her work if he/she needs it, but don't do the work for your child. There is a homework hotline available in many areas for additional help as well - call your school to find out more information about whether a hotline exists in your community.
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3. What should I say to my child to encourage his/her success in school?
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Parents should ask their children what they are learning in school, then discuss it with them or have them explain it. If your child is young, read to him/her. If your child can read, make sure he/she does. Ask your child to read aloud to you. Interact with your child. Communication is important both to his/her success in school and to good family relations. Praise your child for the things he/she does well, but resist the urge to bribe them for good behavior.
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4. What habits should I practice at home to show my child the importance of school success?
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Parents who read are more likely to have children who do so. Try to take a little time each day to read a book or the paper. Institute a special time for homework. You can read, pay bills or write letters while your child does his/her work.
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5. What should I do if work or other responsibilities limit the amount of time I can spend with my child?
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It's not necessarily the quantity of time you spend with your child but the quality. Try to make your time together special and engaging. Ask your child about his/her day, about what your child learned in school, or about things that he/she is interested in. Tell your child something about your day, maybe even about something you learned.
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6. How should I help my child take advantage of other educational resources available in the community?
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Take your child to the library and ask a librarian to show you how to use the materials there. Find out the number for your local homework hotline and post it in a convenient place in your home. Encourage your child to call the hotline if he/she needs help. More resources are available on the local level. Ask a teacher, principal or librarian for information.
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7. Where should I look for information about after-school programs and activities for my child?
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Some schools sponsor extracurricular activities. Many counties sponsor sports teams. The Boys and Girls Club of America is present in many areas and offers a wide variety of after-school activities including sports, homework help and arts programs. The YMCA also offers after-school activities, though membership may be required. Many colleges, community groups and churches offer tutoring programs and other after-school activities. For more programs specific to your area, contact your child's school.
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8. What about extracurricular activities? Which activity should I encourage my child to pursue?
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Almost any extracurricular activity your child chooses is going to be a worthwhile experience for him/her - whether it's music, athletics, theater, or the Spanish club. It's less important to encourage one activity over another. The key is to encourage your child to be involved in something. Urge your child to try a wide variety of activities to fully explore his/her interests and talents.
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9. Who should I turn to for help if I believe my child is not making progress?
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Your child's teacher is the person who should be able to help you most with this issue. If you feel that your child is not making progress you should schedule a meeting and go in to talk with his/her teacher. Together you may be able to pinpoint the source of the problem and the teacher should then give you suggestions about what to do and who else to talk to.
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10. What community leaders or organizations should I contact if I believe problems with my child's health or well-being are hindering his/her success in school?
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First you should talk with your child and also someone who knows your child well. This may be someone in his/her school, a pastor, an after-school teacher, or sports coach. It is important to try to identify the nature of the problem before you try to solve it. Then make an appointment to talk to the school guidance counselor. The counselor can give suggestions about further steps you and your child can take to resolve the problem.
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