As parents, many of us have said, “You need to behave better this year and get better grades!”

Or maybe that conversation has never happened and you simply assume your child will maintain the same quality of performance from the past year. Wherever you lie on the continuum one thing is for certain; school is starting, and they will perform.

Our system of education provides so many do-overs that we all get second, third, and fourth chances to grow, develop, and achieve. Often times, the focus of change is removed from staff and parents and placed on the children. If you want to be challenged as a parent, read on, as I’m going to challenge you to look at this new occasion as an opportunity to have a better school year by partnering and parenting your child just a bit differently!

Of course it is important for you to develop routines for bedtime, homework, and morning preparation. Certainly you should attend all opportunities provided by the schools and any other local affiliation you may be involved with. And don’t forget to have constant communication with your children’s school, teachers and staff. These are all pieces to the puzzle. However, for you to truly find success with your child’s schooling, I recommend taking the following approach.

Minimize your anxieties with your child’s school by asking questions. Sure, the why and how questions that you received from your children drive you crazy at times, but that is how they learned. Make sure you are asking critical questions to teachers, principals, secretaries, custodians, and anyone else affiliated with your school. Asking questions helps you gain a better perspective and is foundational in developing good relationships.

Capitalize on your expertise of your child. You know your child better than anyone, so be sure to share stories with those facilitating the learning experience. Share what works, motivates, and irritates your child. This information is necessary to form your child (and our student) into the flourishing citizen we should all strive to be.

Set personal goals for yourself this school year. These goals should be focused on actions you will deliberately take to make your child or young adult’s school experience a success. Following are a list of active goals that will result in a better learning experience for you and your child:

• I spent ________ minutes focused on my child’s academic work.

• I asked my child about two specific things that excited them about their learning today.

• I coached my child on a positive strategy for solving one of their frustrations.

• I made it a point to contact a school employee at least one time this month.

• I was able to attend the scheduled school event(s).

• I pushed myself to fight the perception that the older my child is the less I need to be involved.

• I kept a routine today as a model for my child or young adult.

Getting off to a great start means you, (yes you, mom and dad) are willing to set your own personal goals.

Setting goals for others is easy, but if you are not willing to set your own goals and adjust your own behaviors, you will continue to get the same results you have always gotten.

Take advantage of this time of renewal and step up to this new beginning for you, your child, and our community’s future!

Zechariah Hoyt is principal at Northside Child Development Center.