For those little ones who are about to step into the world of 'big school' there is the excitement of new uniforms, new backpacks, new routines and new friends. For those starting high school there is excitement tempered with a sense of the 'unknown' - they are moving into a new environment where they will be known as the 'little fish in a big pond'. For those stepping into their HSC year - a different range of emotions; from relief that they have made it this far to a slow burn of nerves about how they will get through it all.
These emotions (and others!) are felt equally by parents, but we are the ones who need to 'keep it together' for our kids. Each phase of our children's learning carries its own unique blend of highs and lows - but where do we go for help? Discussions at the school gate aren't always the best answer. A few hints:
- Keep the lines of communication open with your child's teachers, as they are your 'front line' of information
- Give your child some sense of responsibility - let them pack their bags (doesn't hurt for you to check in the early years!); encourage them to ask questions at school about homework etc, instead of you doing it all the time
- Help them develop some skills in organisation and time management - use planners/calendars/diaries to plan ahead
- DON'T do their homework for them - guide them and be there to answer questions, but encourage them to take responsibility for their own work
- Encourage them to set goals for themselves - even easy ones like remembering to pack their library bag or lunch box!
- DON'T set goals for your children - if they are not important to your child and they are YOUR goals, not theirs, you are setting them up to fail.
- Give them the opportunity to make mistakes - they will learn far more from their mistakes than their successes
- TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN.....especially in their HSC year! I have just gone through two consecutive HSCs, and none of us would have made it if we hadn't spent time TALKING to each other!
- STAY POSITIVE!
Have a great 2009!
