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LIFE
Cynthia Soto: Establishing routines, paying attention to child’s health, academic needs crucial
The weather is hot. Vacations are over. And the kids are moaning and groaning. That can only mean one thing ... school's in!
While the summer was full of fun and freedom, parents throughout the Tri-State are looking for ways to settle back into the swing of the school-year frenzy. From balancing homework, extracurricular activities and all the other unexpected happenings that the year ahead will hold, just know one thing: You're not alone in the race.
Here's some advice from people throughout the community on how you might better balance it all and rate an "A" for effort as a parent.
ESTABLISH A ROUTINE
With summer coming to a close, one of the hardest things to do is get the kids back to their pre-summer bath time and sleep schedules. But it's an important part of keeping the balance between school, homework and extracurricular activities, says Hurricane parent Belinda Henson.
"I just think every child needs stability and a routine, because it's better on them and affects how they do in school," Henson says.
Having a sleepy child equals a grouchy child and that often results in a bad attitude and poor school performance. "They're not going to want to do it on their own, so I think it's definitely up to the parent to make sure the routine is followed," Henson says.
For her own two children, Henson started her kids on their new schedule a couple of weeks before school began. "It gives us all a chance to ease back into things."
COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER
Being informed about the happenings in your child's school, what's expected of your child for their grade level and how they're progressing through it all is an important part of your child's educational experience. As parents, you serve as the tour guide -- especially at the elementary and middle school levels -- and having this knowledge can help you better direct your child's efforts throughout their educational career.
Stan Maynard, associate dean of Marshall University's College of Education and Human Services for Academic Programs, says this is where parents have to step up and take advantage of what their child's school has to offer and become an advocate for change when those opportunities arise.
For example, with the 21st-Century technology now available for parent training and information access, "Parents need to understand that and how to use technology," Maynard said.
In addition, he encourages parents to look for ways their child's school can improve and take those ideas to the administrators or their PTO. Your idea and participation may be all it takes to create a positive change that would benefit all the students and parents.
ADMIT WHEN YOUR CHILD NEEDS ADDITIONAL HELP
As parents, we always hope for the best for our children, but there may be times when they can't achieve their very best without some additional assistance. Communication is important, as mentioned by Maynard above, but he adds that just as we try to pair our children with great coaches and instructors for extracurricular activities, families need to put their children in an intellectually challenging environment to meet their academic needs.
"Families and the school system need to share those victories and positive moments," but there will be times when some negatives require a shared perspective and action, as well. That may mean extra time spent on skill-building homework or tutoring in the area of difficulty.
"That can be something the parent can control," he says. And nothing can replace a caring parent's attention to their child's progress.
PAY ATTENTION TO OVERALL HEALTH
Becky Daniels is an LPN at the Cabell County Health Department and says that when parents are scheduling recommended annual physicals, they need to be aware of what all that exam includes.
For example, your child may receive a basic physical exam but not receive a hearing or vision evaluation -- both of which could reveal significant deficits.
And when it comes to immunizations, her best advice: "Keep up on the new knowledge that's coming out. Don't rely on information that's 10 years old." Though schools have set immunization requirements, there are many elective vaccines that you may find beneficial for your child to receive. When it comes to your child's health, "Staying informed is the key," says Daniels.
COMPARE NOTES WITH OTHER PARENTS
Though every child is unique and learns and develops at their own pace, more often than not, there are similarities in the behavior, attitudes and ideas of those children in the same grade or of the same age.
Stacy Marcum of Huntington is a mother of 11-year-old Tyler, and says that had it not been for her being able to compare notes with other parents, she would have often doubted herself in her own parenting.
"At this age, they are just starting to get emotional and are trying to figure out who they are. And even though you know you've raised them better, they go and do and say some of the craziest things," Marcum said.
That's when comparing situations with other parents can show you if other children are experiencing the same growing pains as your child or if there's something more to their attitude or behavior that might need addressed.
THEY ARE WHAT THEY EAT
When it comes to nutrition, it's no secret that many families find it challenging to avoid the drive-thru or eating out as they try to squeeze all their responsibilities into one day. And as with any member of the family, good eating habits can play a large part in how your student feels and progresses through their day. Poor nutrition can equal poor learning.
If your family is struggling in this area, the United States Department of Agriculture suggests these simple tips to help you and yours begin a journey to a healthier diet:
l Make smart choices for every food group
l Find your balance between food and physical activity
l Get the most nutrition out of your calories
l Stay within your daily calorie needs.
Of course, making this effort a family focus will increase everyone's chances of success in improving their eating habits. You can start by pulling up a chair to the computer and going to www.mypyramid.gov.
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