| We all want our children to do well in school, both | | | | the task at hand if distractions such as the TV, |
| academically and | | | | stereo or siblings are kept to |
| socially. By following the tips below, you can equip | | | | a minimum. The area should also be convenient for |
| your child to perform at | | | | the child to ask for help |
| their very best.1. Proper Rest-It's tough to do | | | | if necessary.5.Communicate With Your Child |
| anything well when you're sleepy. Experts | | | | Daily-Talking with your child about their |
| recommend that kids get between 9 and 10 hours | | | | day will provide you with insight on what constitutes |
| of sleep every night. | | | | a normal day for them. |
| Some children may require as many as 11 hours, | | | | If a problem does arise, you will be more likely to |
| depending on how active | | | | pick up on it on quickly. |
| they are. Ideally, a well-rested child will wake up a | | | | General questions such as, "How was school?" are |
| few minutes before the | | | | likely to be |
| alarm clock sounds.2.Proper Nutrition-You've heard it | | | | answered with a general answer such as, "Fine" or |
| many times, breakfast is the most | | | | "Boring". Ask detailed |
| important meal of the day. But what is eaten for | | | | questions such as, "What did you learn in math |
| breakfast is just as | | | | today? Did you think it was |
| important. Try to steer clear of sugary cereals. While | | | | easy or was it difficult?" Don't forget to ask |
| the sudden boost of | | | | questions about their social life, |
| blood sugar levels may initially make your child perky, | | | | which can greatly affect their performance in school. |
| it won't be long | | | | Inquiring about they way |
| before those blood sugar levels plummet, leaving | | | | they spent their recess time or who they ate lunch |
| your child feeling | | | | with is a good way to start |
| lethargic. Precooked sausages, bagels or toast with | | | | conversation.6.Get Involved-Getting involved shows |
| peanut butter or a | | | | your child that their education is |
| whole grain cereal and a piece of fruit or juice should | | | | important to you, which in turn will make it important |
| keep your child going | | | | to them. Most schools |
| until lunch time.3.Homework Time-Some kids do | | | | welcome parent volunteers, all you have to do is |
| better when they get their homework | | | | ask.7.Extra-Curricular Activities-Activities that take |
| done right after school. For others, immediately after | | | | place outside of school |
| dinner is the best | | | | hours can enhance your child's education by |
| time. Whatever you decide works best for your | | | | providing them with exercise, |
| child, try to stick with it. A | | | | introducing them to the concept of team work and |
| routine will help your child become more organized | | | | social interaction. Just be |
| and possibly prevent | | | | careful not to overdo it-too many activities can |
| squabbles about getting the work done.4.Designate | | | | interfere with homework |
| a Study Space-A quiet, well-lit area provides the ideal | | | | time, sleep time and the all important down |
| | | | time.Karen Bianchi is the editor of a freelance writer |
| environment for homework and studying. Your child | | | | and the mother of four awesome kids. |
| will be able to focus on | | | | |