Page 35 - Waterfall City Issue 3 March 2024

too. Not all children – even the brightest
ones – are academic achievers. Still, they
should be supported and encouraged Here are some practical have all the necessary supplies.
to do their best rather than chase strategies: Don’t leave things to the last
unattainable results. With less pressure Spend calm time together: minute: Teach your child to
and anxiety, you may find they do better Regular, relaxed time with your start on projects early, avoiding
anyway and come into their own once children is vital. It strengthens the stress of rushing just before
they are through the system. your bond and supports their deadlines.
emotional well-being. Be involved: Remember, most
It’s also okay to admit that your choice Listen and encourage sharing: grade four students aren’t quite
of school may no longer be the right Make sure your kids know they ready to study independently.
fit. We make these choices with the can talk about their feelings and Spend time with them, helping
information we have at the time and worries, especially with all the with their studies and finding the
always aim for the best outcome. But new things they’re experiencing best methods.
sometimes, life shows us otherwise, at school. Prepare the night before: To
and making a positive shift could be Use positive reinforcement: reduce morning chaos, get your
life-changing. Encourage and reward your child into the habit of packing their
children, avoiding criticism about school bag and any sports kit the
Jacqueline Aitchison, Executive Head of their schoolwork or test results. night before.
Education Incorporated Private School, Show interest in their school Check in regularly: Go through
says, ‘The significance of choosing the life: Be actively interested in your your child’s school books weekly.
best school for your child cannot be child’s education and support It’s an excellent way to see how
understated. Wherever your child is them with their homework and they handle the workload and
on their educational journey, selecting projects. cope with academic demands.
a school for them should be a careful Avoid over-scheduling: Ensure Communicate early and often:
and considered choice... and open to your child has enough free time to Don’t wait for the first parent-
change if the need arises. Many parents play, read, listen to music, or relax. teacher meeting to discover any
prioritise prestige above all else. They Children do best in a structured issues. Stay on top of school
communications and be punctual
mistakenly think that enrolling their yet supportive environment. with all school-related paperwork.
child in a prominent, big-name school Here’s how to create that from the
is a ticket to smooth sailing. This isn’t start of the year: Following these tips can help
always the case.’ Set a homework routine: Decide
a specific time and place for smooth the path through grade
homework and studying. This area four, making it a positive and
Parenting is not for sissies. It’s a fine productive year for your child.
line between firm encouragement should be quiet, organised, and
and gentle support, wanting them to
conquer the world and helping them
get through a day. We doubt ourselves
constantly, regardless of which stance
we take, but at the end of the day, we
all want what is best for our kids, which
is the source of our efforts. But we
need to cut our children some slack so
they can one day go out and conquer
the world thanks to good self-esteem,
valuing their own needs, and having
compassion and empathy through our
example.

In a nutshell
Having a good relationship with your
child’s teacher is crucial. Teachers
rarely suggest significant changes
like moving to a smaller school or
repeating a year unless they genuinely
believe it will benefit your child.

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