Navigating the stressors of school can be tricky. Here are some parenting tips to help smooth this transition.
Look for clues:
Think about what may have been challenging for your children last year. Did they have difficulty forming friendships, focusing on a math assignment, or participating in class? Was there any bullying? Look back for clues about the times that your child may have had problems. This can help you be prepared for possible stumbling points during the upcoming year. Make a list and think proactively about ways to address obstacles, thereby preventing the problems from re-emerging.
Plan:
Talk to your children about expectations before the school year starts. Ask for their input on ways to make the year better. Adjusting expectations to the uniqueness of your children and their strengths matters. Ask for their ideas to make it a good year and work through areas of difficulty. Working together to develop a plan can empower them and build strength in your relationship with them!
Mindset matters:
When children exhibit challenging behaviors, it’s oftentimes due to them struggling with the skills they have available at the given moment. When kids “act out”, it’s sometimes just the tip of the iceberg. If they could, children would do well; they just don’t have those skills available. Changing your mindset to look at challenging situations this way can help. Talking with your children about the tough times will help them build needed skills.
Support vs. Reward:
Setting very high expectations or rewards for your children’s achievement can backfire. If they struggle with getting grades higher than a B, it won’t help offering rewards for an A. They need coaching, support, and practice. That unattainable reward might make children feel like failures and give up. If children are supported in challenging areas, and small successes are celebrated, they may feel understood, capable, and successful!
Every child is unique:
Different kids need different things. What works for one child may not work for another. After the last school year, things may look different. Manage expectations accordingly and go easy both on yourself and your child if things are bumpy. Look for different approaches, but do your best to provide support.
All Blogs are written by Professionals in the fields of Nutrition, Human Development and Diabetes.