| Do you ever feel like you don't know where to turn for good resources that
can help your child?
If there is something in particular you are trying to find information about
please feel free to call me at 645-8668 or email me at
Stacey.Boitnott@stspb.org. I may have some resources you can borrow and
utilize.
Please feel free to use the following articles to help your child be
successful in school.
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LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO BE POSITIVE
Children's misbehavior at home can lead to misbehavior at school. Sometimes
it can be downright frustrating, making it too easy to rely on punishment.
One way to correct misbehavior is to focus on the positive. When your child
isn't misbehaving, try to:
* Pay attention to what he does well. It's especially important to note
behaviors you want to encourage. If he usually resists getting out of bed
in the morning, compliment him whenever he rises on time and isn't rushing
to catch the school bus.
* Offer choices so your child won't argue as much. A child who dislikes
chores might be more receptive to, " You can pick today. Would you rather
take out the trash or put away the clean dishes?" Remember to thank him for
his hard work.
* Make work fun. Challenge your child to a contest on who can clean the
room the fastest or play upbeat music while working on a task.
* Offer rewards. Children need to understand that they don't only do
something because a reward follows, but every now and then it is nice to be
recognized and rewarded for a job well done. Perhaps your child is
intimidated by writing book reports, so he puts them off until the last
minute. Say, "Write down the steps to this project. Complete one step each
day. Then we'll be able to enjoy a movie together on Friday." Follow
through with the reward.
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DAILY ROUTINES MAKE LIFE EASIER
The beginning of the school year is an opportunity for routines to make a
big difference in your child's life. A regular schedule - such as going to
sleep, waking, and studying at the same time each day - can make all of
these tasks easier because it becomes to be expected daily activities. It
may also mean fewer power struggles with your child. When daily activities
are always accomplished in the same way, kids know what to expect.
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QUIET CALMS THE CHAOS
Want to help your child better handle life's stresses? Turn down the volume
at home. Studies show that kids from loud, chaotic homes may have anxiety
issues or trouble handling their environments. To calm the chaos:
* Turn off the TV when you're not watching it. You don't need the
background oise.
* Offer refuge. Find a quiet place when your child can unwind.
* Rely on routines. They help your child maintain a sense of order.
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DECISION-MAKING BUILDS GOOD JUDGMENT
Teach your youngster to use good judgment. Instead of simply telling him
what to do - "Get your notebook off the kitchen counter" - ask him to
consider why he should do it. "I'm getting ready to make dinner. Why do
you suppose your book shouldn't be on the counter?" Let him come up with
the reasons - it will be in the way, something could spill on it, etc. - by
himself.
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FIND THE RIGHT DISCIPLINE BALANCE
Research indicates that being a nurturing parent - not too harsh and too
lenient - helps children behave best. This requires being kind,
understanding, and helpful. Here are some nurturing messages to send your
child:
* I care about you.
* I will be calm when you tell me difficult things.
* I will help you learn from mistakes.
* We are learning together.
* I have confidence in you.
* I hear what you are saying.
* I am proud of you.
* I am so happy you are my child.
* You are an important part of the family.
* I love you.
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REMEMBER DISCIPLINE'S ULTIMATE GOAL
The true goal of discipline is not only to make children obey their
parents. It's to help kids develop and obey their own good senses of right
and wrong. Use proven discipline methods (such as praise and reasonable
consequences) to build self-discipline. As your child grows, you'll trust
her more...and she'll trust herself too.
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USE ANGER POSITIVELY WHEN DISCIPLINING
All parents get anger. Rather than cave in to your anger, though, put it to
work for you. Here's how:
* Be a detective. If you're angry about your child's misbehavior, see if
that behavior has a root cause. Did something happen at school to upset
him? Ask.
* Use a support system. Can you vent to a friend or relative? Do it. If
not, consider getting professional help. It could be a big first step
toward improving everyone's behavior.
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MY CHILD IS A MONSTER IN THE MORNING
Q. I left my child stay up late in the summer and sleep late. Now that
school is back in session and needs to wake up early, my child has become a
monster. Every morning brings another meltdown. How can I get this part of
her school-day routine back on track?
A. It's understandable that your child isn't thrilled about waking up
early. Who wants to leave a warm bed? Still, a smooth morning routine will
help her arrive at school ready to learn. To make her - and your - mornings
more peaceful:
* Reevaluate bedtime. As yourself: Am I consistent about enforcing a
regular bedtime? Is that bedtime reasonable? Remember, it's natural to let
her stay up later as she gets older, but she still needs at least eight
hours of sleep per night.
* Plan ahead. Complete morning-related prep work the night before. This
means her book bag should be packed, lunch should be in the fridge, and her
outfit should be chosen well before "lights out." The fewer tasks she faces
in the morning, the better.
* Build extra time into your schedule. If she struggles to get out the
door, wake her up 10 to 15 minutes earlier each morning (adjust her bedtime
accordingly). The bit of breathing room may make everyone less stressed.
* Insist on good behavior. Yes, she's tired. But she doesn' thave the
right to be rude to you. If she gets out of line during her morning frenzy,
enforce a consequence (even if you must postpone it until after school).
(All articles came from The Parent Institute)
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