No matter how busy parents are,
there are things they can do to help their children succeed in school.
To start, it’s important to
organize your time. Try to plan work and activities around school and practice
schedules.
Also plan to do a few things at
once. For example a child could start doing homework in the car while the
family is waiting for an older sibling to get out of school.
The car is also a quiet place
where parents and children can talk together uninterrupted.
It’s also a good idea to find
other people to help. A babysitter can sometimes help with homework.
Grandparents who live nearby can often lend a hand with carpooling.
Friends and neighbors are often
willing to trade services and pitch in when needed.
Alternative scheduling can also
make a big difference. Though many parents check homework at night, it
sometimes works better for parents to do it in the morning, while a child is
eating breakfast.
If work schedules make it
possible to have only a quick dinner in the evenings, try to compensate in the
mornings with a big, hot breakfast.
Also remember that weekend
schedules can make up for weekday shortfalls.
And finally, it’s a good idea
to figure out a way to help at school even if your work schedule is complicated.
Be flexible and creative. But
find ways to stay involved.
