Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Adjusting to School
A little planning and encouragement goes a long way toward
helping your child look upon school as a stimulating,
satisfying experience.
The following pointers can be helpful in promoting good
attitudes and practices in your child.
- Help your child unwind once the school day is over.
Give your child focused attention every day. Talk about
the school experience. Listen for underlying feelings
of anger or fear along with the positive feelings of
excitement and satisfaction.
Because your child's time at school is quite structured,
plan time for unstructured activities once school is
through for the day. Allow your child to let off steam
through active outdoor play or sports.
While one or two after-school commitments like piano or
soccer lessons are beneficial, be careful not to
over-program your child. The inevitable result is
stress-overload--for you as well as your child.
- Help your child get organized.
Arrange study space. Reserve one corner somewhere in
your home for your child's quiet concentration. Provide
a table or desk, good lighting, reference materials, and
school supplies. If possible, keep the study area far
from tempting distractions like a television set.
Plan for the next day. Help your child get into the
habit of organizing such things as clothing, lunch
money, permission slips, and homework the night before.
Nerves are bound to be less frazzled in the morning.
Note important dates. Buy a giant wall calendar with
large boxes. If your youngster is too young to read or
write, draw pictures symbolizing important school
activities. Help an older child jot down dates of
exams, reports, field trips, after-school events, and
other upcoming commitments.
- Establish a regular homework routine.
Daily attention to school work for short periods of time
is superior to night-before panic and agony over a
project or examination. While maintaining some
flexibility, set a fixed time each afternoon or evening
for school assignments. Your child's homework schedule
should be in accord with other extracurricular
activities. Depending on age, fifteen minutes to an
hour before or after dinner is usually sufficient.
- Be available to encourage your child.
Show your child you are interested by being consistently
available at predictable times each day. Do not,
however, play the role of teacher by attempting to teach
your child specific skills. Your time together is apt
to be frustrating. If your child is having problems
with a certain subject, talk to the teacher about
supplementary activities you could do together at home
as well as tutoring or other special attention at
school.
In addition, do not attempt to protect your child from
negative consequences by actually doing the homework
assignment yourself. This will seriously detract from
your child's confidence to cope successfully with future
school demands.
- Display a love of learning at home.
To fuel your child's natural interest and curiosity,
celebrate learning. Ask questions, exchange ideas, and
allow your child to arrive at personal conclusions.
Provide a home environment rich in books, games, and
projects. Complement your child's school experiences
with excursions for the entire family. Above all, let
your child see you enjoying new challenges and
activities.
- Become involved in your child's school.
By joining a parent-teacher organization or volunteering
your time, you share more of your child's world. You
are also in a better position to understand and make
suggestions for improvement.
See also Books to Help a Child Adjust to School.
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