No dream too big! 2013 and beyond.

Posted on January 17, 2013 by admin

Children as we know are creative dreamers they tend to express their desire of what do they want to be: a pilot, musician, singer, formula f1 race driver, doctor or teacher. The list keeps growing as they get exposed to different walks of life. This is actually the very beginning of their liaison with goal setting.

As adults, we truly realize the importance of goal setting and the process of planning to achieve those goals. It is imperative that we inculcate the very importance of setting a goal, working towards it and ultimately achieving it, in our children. The start of the new year 2013 with this note could well help your children learn the art of goal setting and what all it takes to achieve it.

Following are a few tips that may aid you in the goal setting and achieving process with your children:

Set a definitive goal – It’s imperative that you set a clear goal with a definitive timeline. Make a small goal but be firm with it. Setting an unrealistic goal will shave off the confidence of your child and he or she might not try setting up any goal or achieving it in the future.

Step by step approach – Divide the goal into small measurable steps and work towards achieving it. Success at each step will boost your child’s confidence level and his or her willingness to achieve more.

Mistakes don’t mean failure – Mistakes happen to them who try. Tell your children that mistakes are part of the learning process. It’s okay to make mistakes but at the same time it is important that they be cautious in the future to avoid repeating such mistakes. Having said that, you may help them alter their plan for the desired result. But keep them motivated and stay focused on their goal.

Keep backing up your goal – To have your children stay focused on the goal, have them remind themselves of the goal. Put up a stick out note on their wall. Idea is that they should condition their mind to make it happen.

Perseverance – perseverance is a valuable skill that will be benefiting for your children for lifelong . This skill will benefit him or her in whatever they lay their hands on in their life.

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5 Ways to Support Your Child in School and beyond

Posted on September 9, 2011 by admin

 

When we think about how to support children through school, the first things that come to mind are: checking their homework, preparing their lunch, readying their uniform, and getting them to school. However, the reality of it is that our role is to prepare our children to grow up and become productive and responsible Individuals. It is important to make them ready to be a winner in challenges coming in school and beyond. Here are five ways to support your child, regardless of their grade or age:

 

  1. Talk with your child daily. It’s important to talk to your child about what do they like to do, what are they watching on television rather than telling them what not to do. Ask your child, “What did you learn?” And expect a prompt response “nothing.” Ask your child what happened in school? Your child’s first response will give you an insight into what is important in their mind. Do they tell you about a fight that occurred, a child who got hurt, a teacher’s negative comment, or what they learned or got a star/excellent they received from the teacher? This will also tell you how your child looks at the world.
  2. Give your child a specific schedule (time and place) to do their homework. Whatever you do, do not do your child’s homework, you are not fooling anyone. It only tells your child you do not believe in him/her. Regularly review their homework (No checking). Reviewing it with your child will help you know their ideas, approach and thinking. Even if you see incorrect answers or misconceptions of concepts, do not correct their work. Making mistakes is a part of life, and what effort will he/she put into their work if they know you will anyways do it. Remember guiding and providing support is different.
  3. Enable your child on how to do conflict resolution, though it is a lifelong process of learning. In case of a conflict between your child and another student, do not ignore it out rightly but also do not act vaguely and run to their rescue. Talk to the teacher concerned and make her aware of the situation. A parent rushing directly to the school in-charge for a transfer is no solution unless it is the only best option. It only teaches students to run from their problems.
  4. Put them to bed early. Imagine your child having to go to school and take a test or recite a poem but end up yawning and look awkward in front students and his/her teachers. Everyone works better when they stick to a schedule and a routine. Inculcate a habit in your child to get to school on time. I can guarantee a child who gets to school on time now will be the one who gets to work on time as an adult.
  5. Attend all school programs. The major events are parent teacher meetings, open house and annual functions. Create a calendar of events that will be taking place in the school. This is probably the one that will affect the relationship you have with your child the most. If you do not attend they will perceive they are not important and you do not care.
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Don’t teach children the very things that upset you!!

Posted on August 25, 2011 by admin

 

The most important thing is for parents to recognize they are teaching their children the very things that upset them. Few rules:

  1. No phones or texting during meals
  2. No phones or texting when parents pick up children at school/tennis class/swimming class, a child is looking to make eye contact with a parent
  3. Children complain so much about this. No phones or texting when you take your children to the playground for swings.
  4. Children are nostalgic for the good old days when parents used to read to them without the cell phone by their side or play with them without having any intrusion by their cell phones
  5. Children want full attention. Amazing conversations happen when children feel they have their parents full attention.

 

By following the above you won’t teach your children the very things that upset you most. Think about it!!

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Why Reading is Important for Children

Posted on August 2, 2011 by admin

 

When young people become good readers in the early years, they are more likely to become better learners throughout their school years and beyond.

 

The importance of acquiring good reading skills at an early age for a child’s success cannot be emphasized enough. This can often mean the difference between a child excelling or having difficulty at every phase of learning that follows. A gap in your child’s reading foundation can make learning more difficult in almost every subject area lifelong.

 

Children might frequently ask why reading is important and it is imperative that their questions are answered. Children should be exposed to reading from the womb; however reading must be more to children than a time of fun and enjoyment. They must have an appreciation for the fact that reading is a skill that they should endeavor to master for the rest of their lives. Though they should never think that reading is boring, they should understand and accept the fact that reading is a skill that will require practice and diligence. When asked why reading is important they should have the understanding that reading is the key to unlocking their success in future.

 

One of the best ways for children to understand why reading is important, is for them to see those around them reading. Parents have plenty of opportunities to ensure that children have a respect for the written word. Every time a parent picks up a newspaper, magazine, or reads a book in front of a child they are showing children that reading is important. In addition, it is also important that children understand that reading comprehension, vocabulary and spelling skills, and the ability to discern critically the information being read are important elements for successful reading.

 

Parents should never hesitate to explain to children the importance of reading, building vocabulary skills, and increasing reading comprehension. When children see first hand that parents are still learning it opens the door for them to accept learning as well.

 

To help your child learn to read find a great reading program. http://www.way2success.in

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