SUBMITTED BY BARBARA PARKER
Tuesday, July 5, 2011 6:30 am

• Establish a daily family routine, including healthy eating and sleeping habits.

• Build their child’s self-esteem by expressing interest in the child’s schoolwork and affirming the child’s worth through positive messages.

• Communicate openly with the school and contact the school when they are aware of issues concerning their child’s school success.

• Set high and realistic standards for their child.

• Check on homework regularly and ask questions about their child’s work.

• Read or talk with their child.  Connect everyday experiences to what is being learned in school.

• Express high but realistic expectations for their child.

• Use community learning opportunities. Expose their child to the library, museums, the theater, concerts, etc.  Encourage their child to join clubs, scouts, after-school sports or fine arts, and other community programs.

• Monitor out-of-school activities and set expectations for appropriate behavior.

• Model learning at home by playing games, reading newspapers or magazines, and discussing current events.

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