The start of a new school year is like January 1st to kids – a fresh beginning. The slate has been wiped clean and is ready for a freshly sharpened No. 2 pencil to fill it with good intentions. Teachers outline their goals for students on day one, but here are a few “resolutions” to help parents start the new year in the right direction as well.
I will remember that homework is intended for students, not parents.
We mean well with our “help.” The red flag goes up when we take more ownership for school work than our kids. If we assume responsibility for projects, we deny our children the opportunity to be truly proud of what they alone can accomplish. And if they fail (which they should sometimes) they learn important lessons about how to recover from disappointment. Unless you want to eventually enroll in college with them, let your kids develop the skills they need to succeed on their own now.
I will think long and hard before signing up for extracurricular activities.
Remember when after school activities were – fun? Resist the pressure to sign up for more sports, more clubs or more lessons until you ask yourself if the necessary time, money and commitment are really worth it. Does your child truly want to do this activity? Do you? What are you sacrificing (family dinners, relaxing evenings) in order to participate? Realize that unscheduled free time has its merits, too.
I will listen to the teacher (or coach/ bus driver/ lunch lady.)
If you live here for the school system, then you have faith in its professionals. It’s hard to hear your child is not applying themselves, struggling socially, misbehaving, etc. Instead of getting defensive, appreciate the different perspective another adult can provide. Be open to their comments. They probably have the same best intentions for your child that you do.
I will also be my child’s best advocate.
Everybody needs an ally in their corner and your child needs to know that person is you. Kids have legitimate concerns. What they don’t often have is the power to help themselves - which is when you step in.
I won’t let this year slip by.
Every school year ends with “I can’t believe it went by so quick!” Slow down and appreciate the frenzy. Before you know it, you’ll be in the crowd for whom the end of summer doesn’t mean “back to school” anymore.
Column originally appears in Current in Fishers http://currentinfishers.com/
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