Decades of research show that when parents are
involved, students have higher grades, test scores, graduation rates, and are
more likely to go to college. They also
have better school attendance and lower rates of suspension. Students with involved parents are more
motivated and have higher self-esteem.
They are less likely to use drugs and alcohol, or to use violent
behavior.
Following are some ways to help your child succeed:
1. Regularly talk with your child.
2. Set high but realistic expectations and goals.
3. Build your child’s self-esteem and confidence.
4. Keep your child healthy – ensure they get enough rest
and eat nutritious foods.
5. Parents are the first teachers – support learning at
home.
6. Communicate and stay connected with your child’s
school.
7. Encourage exploration and discovery.
8. Help your child develop a circle of friends and good,
healthy relationships.
9. Keep your child safe at home, school, and the
neighborhood.
10. Participate in community service activities.
How Are You Doing?
Answer how many of the following steps reflect how you
are involved with your child’s school experience:
ü I know how much homework my child has each night.
ü I review homework and check papers daily.
ü I attend PTA meetings.
ü I spend one-on-one time with my child.
ü I provide books and read at home.
ü I attend extra-curricular activities.
ü I talk with my child’s teacher regularly.
ü I make sure my child has a nutritious breakfast each
day.
ü I make sure my child gets enough sleep and daily
exercise.
ü I frequently praise my child for making an effort as
well as achievement.
If you answered yes to the majority of these
statements, congratulations! You are
helping your child to have the best chance to succeed in school. If you answered no to more than half of these
statements, think about those areas and how they to make changes that will
benefit your child.
Being a parent is a hard job. Sometimes it can feel like things are getting
out of control, or there is no one that understands. The Oklahoma Parenting Helpline is there for
such times - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a
year. Just call toll-free at 1-877-446-6865.
When you call the Parenting Helpline, you will reach
someone who knows how to listen without judging, who cares about families,
wants to help but not interfere. The
volunteers at the Parenting Helpline realize that there are times when a
parent’s patience runs out, they feel that everything they have tried has
failed and they are sick or tired, but their kids still need attention. You can also receive booklets or other
information to help you with such topics as child development, discipline and
guidance, and other concerns. Referrals
to resources and agencies in your area are also offered.
No matter where you live in
The Internet has an overwhelming amount of information
and often it is difficult to know whether a source can be trusted. Where can you go for good information on
child development and parenting topics? Check out the Child and Family WebGuide at www.cfw.tufts.edu.
The WebGuide
is the creation of
The WebGuide is designed and
useful for parents, students, educators, child development professionals, and
the general public. The main categories are family, education, health, typical
development, and child care. Each
website included on the WebGuide is rated and has a
summary description.
Prepared by:
Debbie
Richardson
Child
Development Assistant Specialist
Cooperative
Extension Service
104 HES
(405)
744-6231