School Success: New Year, New Focus

Remember August, when you went shopping for new book bags, lunch boxes, clothes, and other supplies? Remember those long talks you had about staying on top of homework and getting straight A's all year? Neither do your kids. Two report cards have gone by and a new year is here. It's a great time to commit yourself to a successful school year-again!

First, let's look at the 'hardware'. Take a look in your child's bag. That backpack has chalked up a lot of miles these 18 weeks. Are pencils falling out of a few ratty holes at the bottom? Are the straps and handles in good shape? How about the folders? Like most parents, you probably bought 10 three-hole, two-pocket folders for 39 cents before school started. Are the holes broken and ripped, and does paper fall out of the binder? Even the best notes and papers won't help your child succeed if they are lost or mangled. It may be time to hit up the after holiday sales at your local office supply store.

Second, inventory your supplies. Fresh pens, pencils, markers, paper clips, and notebooks can excite your child about going back to school after the holiday break (excite may be a strong word, but you get the point). Ask your child what he or she needs and let them pick out new things to show off to their classmates. It will show that you are still committed to their excellence and you expect them to be committed, too.

The third step in school year success is goal setting. How were the grades on the first two report cards? Is your child happy with the progress they're making in math? Do they get along well with the English teacher? What steps can you take together to get your child where they want to be? All kids want to succeed. All kids want their parents to believe they can succeed, and they want you to help. Set reasonable, reachable goals that your child can focus on, and talk about ways to achieve them.

Finally, revisit the ideas you had in August. What were your school year resolutions? Maybe you decided there would be an early bed time, no T.V. after 7 pm, or homework finished before dinner. Some of these have probably gone the way of your last diet resolutions (remember when you told yourself no snacking after 8?), which is normal. Taking the time now to commit to these resolutions-again-will get everyone in the house ready for a great second half for the school year.

These four steps are easy and sensible ways to keep your child on the fast track to school year success. Use the break to take inventory, stock up on necessary items, restate goals, and commit to resolutions. Let your children know you expect great things of them this school year, and they will deliver!