The Family Attachment Center Newsletter

                     Volume III
   








           




           The Parental Ability To Exponentially
        Raise Their Children’s Success In School


    There needs to be more understanding in the significance of the
parental role in their children's education.  Children follow their parents'
example as well as their attitude.  It is crucial that the parent has a
positive attitude towards their child's teacher as well as the school.  It is
also equally important for the parent to demonstrate to their children the
significant value of education.  When children discover that there is fun
involved in learning the motivation to learn is heightened.  And when
children associate school with their parents, they feel more comfortable
in school, feel safer, and are more likely to learn.
      There are several ways for parents to be involved with their child's
education right at home.  Although you don't want to do your child's
homework for them, sitting with your child as he or she is doing their
homework while maintaining a positive, calm environment will enhance
their motivation for school work and therefore enhance their learning.  
When parents take the time to read to and with their children on a daily
basis, children internalize the bond with their parents to the bond with
reading and learning.  Take your school age child to the grocery store
with you.  Set them up with a list of groceries needed and a maximum
amount of money that can be spent and have them use a calculator to
have the list match the budget.  Parents can practice the multiplication
tables, division, and other basic arithmetic while driving in the car.  For
more advanced children, have the child determine estimated arrival time
to a particular destination on a road trip and have them show the work
and explain it to you.  When planning a vacation, have your school age
children involved with creating an itinerary that fits an actual budget
including food, travel expense, lodging, and recreation.  You can include
maps and determine means of transportation to arrive at particular
destinations.  Your child can research information on a particular city,
state, or tourist attraction.
The important factor is that you, the parent, is involved in the project
and demonstrate interest in the project.  Hiking, fishing, and other
outside activities can also be opportunities for science lessons as well as
logic, wisdom, and basic life skills.  Remember there are ample, daily
opportunities to integrate education and bonding with your children.  
   Another important aspect of learning and motivation is the concept of
success.  It is crucial that your child feels that he or she can be
successful.  Confidence comes with the experience of success.  
Celebrating small successes with praise, modest successes with small
rewards, and larger successes with larger rewards helps to enhance
motivation for challenge.  An internalized pattern of success combined
with realistic goals and challenges creates the foundation for a life time
of self-esteem, confidence, many other successes, and happiness.
   You can learn more skills by contacting The Family Attachment
Center at 719-632-3204, our web-site www.familyattachmentcenter.org or
attend our upcoming free symposium Achieving High Success In School,
Tuesday October 7th at 6PM at the Penrose House.  


By: John Trentalange, MA, LPC, BCETS

Copyrighted © August 2008