Just liked scuffed shoes and broken pencils, the shininess and promise of a new school year is wearing off for some students as days get shorter, temperatures colder, and homework seems to get longer.

As parents, it isn’t always easy to drag our kids out of bed, keep them excited about that diploma that seems so far away, or keep them focused on why they go to school in the first place: to learn.

But it is important that we do.

The most vital factor we can do for our students, no matter what age, is to ensure they get enough sleep the night before a school day. Juggling jobs, sports, music, clubs, church activities and the other events that keep our students busy is not easy to do. But it is important to remind your students that sleep and their health is a priority, and that everything must be kept in balance. If not, stress occurs. And stress brings bad attitudes and lack of motivation.

Continue to talk to your student — every day — about what he or she is learning. The answer “nothing” is likely not true, so try asking more specific questions, like: what did you do in biology; what chapter are you on; or, what is happening in the novel you are reading? Ask to see their planners, or any book they have brought home. Give them impromptu quizzes and small rewards for doing well. Also, make sure you use the online Power School Parent Portal to keep up on academic progress.

Taking a few minutes every night, and going over these things, will remind them that learning is what matters.

If you ask some students about the aspect that they most like about school, many will say lunch or recess. Kids are social people and enjoy spending time with their friends. While seeing friends and hanging out is not that important to parents, it is something you can use to keep your student excited about going to school every day.

Find out who they eat lunch with, or their favorite recess game. Encourage them to move around at recess/lunch and to get fresh air when possible. Lunch is a needed break. Also, be sure to encourage good eating. There is nothing worse than the need for an afternoon nap after eating junk food.

Another easy way to keep the socialness of school a motivating factor for your child is to take advantage of all the things your school community offers. No matter what school your child attends, there are always events going on somewhere, particularly at the high school level. Whether it is a Friday night football game, or a school play featuring students in your community, take your kids and introduce them to new things that they aren’t normally exposed to.

As a parent myself, the high school musical was a yearly tradition for my kids with mom and dad. Encourage your kids to have pride in their school and what they can contribute. Whether it is academics, music, art, sports, or just friends, a feeling of belonging makes a huge difference.

We know that the daily battles concerning school we face with our kids can be overwhelming, but a positive parent attitude about school and the joys that come with going to school every day can go a long way.

 

Molly Brawley is principal at Oak Manor 6th Grade Center.