Even the smartest, most-informed parents can make mistakes. Parenting children through their school years requires a balancing act between what's best for family dynamics and for a child's academic success. The following tips can help parents avoid five common mistakes when dealing with a child's scholastic achievement:
1. Expecting Perfection Instead of Progress-If you only praise your child when he completes a task or reaches a goal, he may give up long before he ever gets there. Demonstrate to yourchild that you believe in him by giving genuine and frequent praise for progress and effort.
2. Allowing Your Child to Quit Whenever the Work Gets Hard-Encourage your child to persevere when school work becomes challenging by becoming her coach to get her through the tough spots. Help her to take a one-step-at-a-time approach. Work with her to identify the information needed to solve problems and pinpoint places where she gets "stuck."
3. Underestimating Your Child's Ability-Don't assume your child will be weak in a subject because you were, and don't underestimate his abilities. Expect your child to reach his potential in all subjects, not just the ones that are easiest. If your child is struggling in math but loves reading, help your child discover new ways to enjoy math. However, keep your expectations realistic.
4. Allowing Your Child to be Disorganized-To ensure that children will become successful students, parents must help them acquire good study habits and strong organizational skills. Start by creating a special learning area at home; set aside time for homework and reading. For older children, teach them to organize their time by using a calendar or planner.
5. Refusing to Admit that Your Child is Capable of Wrongdoing-Not My Kid!-
Children are individuals, and no matter how hard we try to raise smart, honest and caring children, they will make mistakes or poor decisions. If a teacher, friend or parent brings to your attention your child's behavior-don't deny it-listen. Depending on the situation, speak to your child about the incident in the privacy of your home and decide the best way to handle it.
ABOUT KUMON LAKEWOOD
Kumon Math & Reading Center of Lakewood
North Bear Office Park, NE corner of Kipling and Morrison Road.
Center hours:Mon & Thur, 3-6pm, Sundays 2-4pm, or by appointments.
Informational orientation & testing (complimentary): Saturdays at 11:30am
2594 S. Lewis Way, Unit D, Lakewood, CO 80227
Phone: 303-914-0197
lakewood_co@ikumon.com
ABOUT KUMON
Kumon offers math and reading instruction year-round - even throughout the summer. Founded in Japan in 1958, the learning method uses a systematic approach that helps children develop a solid command of math and reading skills. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase confidence, improve concentration and develop better study skills. Worldwide, there are 3.9 million students studying at more than 26,000 Kumon Centers in 43 countries. For more information: 1-800-ABC-MATH or visit
www.kumon.com.