Helpful
hints for parents
Expect the Best from Your Child!
When researchers look at what makes students successful,they always find that expectations play a key role. If parents and teachers hold high expectations, children usually live up to them. That's true in academics...in athletics...and it's true for behavior as well. The good news for parents is that you can learn how to put the power of positive expectations to work for you.
Here's how:
EMPHASIZE These Three "A"s
Your
child can be a winner if you make it clear you expect
these
three "A"s:
Attendance.
Businesses know how important
attendance
is. When they call schools before hiring a
graduate,
they ask first about attendance...and only
later
about grades. Show your child that you think
attendance
is important. You go to work if you have a
headache or if the weather is cold-your child should
also go to school on those days.
Achievement. We all need goals. Help your child
learn
to set goals...and achieve them. When he
reaches
one goal, show that you are pleased and that
you
expect him to set his sights even higher next time.
Attitude.Jesse
Jackson often says, "It's your attitude and not your aptitude that
determines your altitude." In other words, even the brightest student
can fail if he doesn't work hard. Let your children know you
expect them to try their best.
ADD
These Three "B"s
Be
positive. Low self-esteem may be keeping your
child
from reaching her potential. If you suspect this
may
be a problem, try to focus on the positive. Talk
about
"things you are working on" rather than "things
you
are bad at."
Be
consistent. Tell your child you expect her to study a certain
amount of time each day. Don't let you child put off homework
until the late evening. Have her choose a time for homework...and
then stick to it.
Be there
for your child. Take time to talk...and
listen...to
your child. Plan some special time alone
with
each child each week. During these times alone,
you
can talk about your hopes and expectations.
