QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q:  I know how to monitor my child's behavior at home.  But what can I do to help her behave better in school?

A:  What happens at home affects what happens at school.  And although you can't be with your child in the classroom, there's plenty you can do to ensure that she behaves properly there. 
For example:

• Start off right.  Your child's school day begins at home, so start it on a positive note.  After breakfast, give her a hug.  Tell her how proud you are of her.  By the time the bus pulls up, she'll be feeling great.

• Pack a healthy lunch.  Don't fill your child's lunchbox with junk.  Instead, offer her nutritious, energy-rich foods.  They will help her concentrate in class and keep her primed to learn.

• Adopt an after-school ritual.  Set aside 10-20 minutes when you do nothing but listen as your child talks about her day.  Don't sort mail.  Don't start dinner.  Just be there for her.  If there are problems in class, she may tell you about them then.

• Let your child do her own homework.  Give her a quiet space to work, then let her get busy.  You'll be showing her that, just like at school, it's important to work independently at home.

• Be a partner in your child's education.  Both you and the teacher have your child's best interest at heart.  So be a team.  Never talk negatively about her teacher in front of your child.  It may cause your child to lose respect for her.