Back-to-school tips for parents and students

Ebony, Sept, 1997

15 Ways To Help Your Child Become A Better Student

1. Become your child's most enthusiastic cheerleader. Build self-esteem with frequent reminders of his or her specialness and intelligence.

2. Never withold love from your child based upon his or her disagreeable behavior. Emphasize that it's the behavior that you dislike, not the child. Affection and love are as vital to children as air, water and food.

3. Reward good grades, positive behavior and a child's effort.

4. Maintain a regular routine that includes a nourishing, well-balanced breakfast and adequate rest.

5. Make learning a priority in your home by setting aside a time and a place for studying.

6. Encourage curiosity and create a climate where learning is fun. discuss school assignments on a daily basis and help when you can with homework.

7. encourage your child to read by reading to him or her daily, regardless of age.

8. Always speak correct English, use complete sentences when addressing your child and insist that he or she does the same when speaking to you and others.

9. Use a dictionary to teach your child at least three new words every day.

10. Practice open, honest, non-judgemental conversation with your child. Be willing to talk about school and any other subject that's important to him or her.

11. Set limits on television, interactive computer games, and monitor his or her choice of music.

12. Communicate often with your child's teachers. Discuss with them any problems at home that may affect your child's academic performance.

13. Don't speak negatively in front of your child about his or her teachers or school. Support the school's rules, regulations and discipline.

14. Encourage and support extracurricular activities.

15. Become acquainted with your child's classmates and friends and their parents. No only know their names, but the names of your child's teachers, principals and guidance counselors.