Be involved with school. Get to know your child’s teachers.
- If you have Internet, communicate with teachers through e-mail.
- If you have Internet, sign up for In-Touch to monitor grades, attendance, and behavior.
- Make sure your child has a routine for homework (minimize distractions).
- If you ever have questions contact the school counselor.
General
- Spend time with your child. Ask about friends, accomplishments, challenges.
- Talk with your child about peer pressure and challenges they may face with friends.
- Be honest and direct when talking with your child.
- Have clear expectations and consequences.
- Eat meals together as a family.
- Teach your child responsibility (chores, helping at home, volunteering).
- Get to know your child’s friends (and if possible parents of friends).
- Say, “You must be proud of yourself” instead of “I am proud of you”.
- Help your child set goals (short and long term).
- Encourage your child to join school and community groups.
- Monitor/Limit use of cell phones, video games, and computers.
- Encourage your child to read every day.
Health/Safety
- Healthy diet – Eat 3 meals day; limit fast food; and drink milk or dairy products.
- Sleep – Have routine bedtimes (9-10 hours of sleep recommended). Keep bedrooms free of distractions: TV’s, video games, computers, and cell phones.
- Encourage your child to be active and exercise (use a helmet riding bikes/skateboards).
- Talk to your child about stranger and playground safety.
- Have the computer in an open area of your house.
- Discuss avoidance of tobacco, alcohol, drugs (including inhalants), and guns.
- Teach your child to swim.