New Year’s Resolution Ideas for Parents

New Year’s Resolution Ideas for Parents

Make helping with homework a part of your routine.

Although they are inevitably broken, New Year’s resolutions are still a fun exercise in reflection, self-evaluation, and goal setting. Almost half of us participate in the practice (we’ll ignore the fact that only 8 percent are successful). The most popular is, of course, to lose weight followed by getting organized and saving more money.

But what about growing as a parent? Here are some ideas to include if you know you’ll be unsuccessful at staying away from buffets.

Make helping with homework a part of your routine

Plenty of parents take a laissez-faire attitude toward homework, thinking that it’s the student’s job to practice. While the student should do all of the work, a parent spending time with them is one of the best predictors we have of education success.

You don’t even have to “help” them in the traditional sense. If your child is making good progress, simply stop by and let them explain what’s going on. Describing facts or skills to another person is a great way for information to become imbedded in long-term memory.

Create a designated study space

You’re probably well aware that technology is more distracting for kids these days than for any other generation that has come before them. It’s impossible to study effectively when your phone keeps buzzing, the TV’s volume is too loud, and video games keep calling your name.

If this sounds like your house, use the New Year as an excuse to create a distraction-free study space. Stock it with the things your child will need, like a computer and reference materials, while setting hard and fast rules about other technology. Soften the blow by explaining that those toys will always be there, but the opportunity to study for a crucial test is only available for a limited time.

Reconnect with your child’s teacher

It’s been four months since the beginning of school. If you’re like many parents, you’ve only talked to your child’s teacher at Open House or a conference—hopefully conferences aren’t a regular occurrence.

After break, take a few minutes to drop your child’s teacher a quick email. Don’t ask for a full report (but don’t turn it down if they offer). Just ask if your child seems to be having any minor issues and whether or not there are things you can do to help. It can be a positive comment that can brighten your day. On the flip side, some things aren’t worth a call or email home, but the teacher will tell you about them if you ask.

Be honest; seek help if they need it

Every student hits a rough patch somewhere in his or her school career. There are some concepts that just don’t click. The problem is that concepts often build on each other, so a weakness can have lasting effects. Looking for help for your child to fill those gaps is not an indictment on your parenting skills or your child’s intelligence. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. So look into tutoring and other solutions before it’s too late.

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