Radio Commentary
Middle school students need to know
their parents are interested in their academic success, even when the students
act as though they don’t care.
They
might not tell you — but they do want their parents to offer support and
protection, especially when problems arise.
Try
these time-tested techniques:
• Talk with your child every day
about what happened at school. Find ways to get even a short conversation going
about classroom experiences.
• Spend time
together regularly. Relax and share a meal or snack. Tell your children often
what their strengths are. Teens seem to need this reinforcement.
•
Listen to your child’s worries. Try to point out and emphasize the positive.
Support what you think is good about school. If there are concerns, offer to
talk with school officials about practices you don’t think are good for your
child.
•
Don’t scold and argue when your child brings home bad news. Instead, listen to
your child’s reasoning and help brainstorm ways to improve the situation.
Always let your
children know you believe they can be successful. Such confidence can be
contagious.
• Show you
value education by encouraging homework and reading over all else.
Help your children pick a good time
and place to study. Make sure they have everything they need — materials and your unconditional support.
