Granted, the first week of school is usually an easy one. The kids get acquainted with their classes, most subjects are introduced with minimal homework, and there are old friends to reconnect with and new friends to meet.
In Los Angeles, September is still one hot month! A quick shower as soon as the young ones get home can cool them off and can give them a fresh start on their homework. Here are a few extra tips to keep learning in a positive light:
1. Compliments. Before your child walks out the door or gets out of the car each day, comment on their appearance. Tell them how much you like that shirt or how they combed their hair today. Send them off with a smile on their face.
2. Smiles. The best way to finish a day of school or work is to have someone that loves you give you a smile and, if you can swing it, a hug - every day.
3. Interest. Ask them daily to tell you what they enjoyed about school. Which teachers do they like? Any new friends? Where do they sit in class?
When your children answers your questions, listen intently and laugh or smile with them. The more eye contact, the better! As you show an interest, they become more interested in what they are doing. As you look for things that made their academic day enjoyable, they will also notice the good parts about their days. You are still the leader in your family, the kids will follow you.
Finally, ask them to teach you something they learned in school. This makes them feel important and strengthens what they are learning. It also gives you an idea of what is getting into their heads!
Comments
You've got some good points, here's another one: I had many friends always willing to carpool and bring the kids home for me, I always graciously declined- I knew that this time was my time with my kids. Now my oldest is in college, my two boys are in h.s and still I think of this time as crucial, they tell me more about their day on their ride home than any other time. Once they get older, their lives get busy with sports, tons of homework and often times they're just too exhausted- so if you can manage to pick up from school, I highly recommend it.
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