09/09/2015
Parent Pointer-
From A Children's Pastor and Parent
Kids at school- low citizenship (behavior grade), lack of cooperation or just unfocused. The struggle sometimes is overwhelming.
I had a parent ask for advice about how to help a child focus and achieve in class what is required.
Wow! This is a common question I ask myself with my kids and I hear parents ask. So... I'm going to throw out some ideas in hopes that something might be helpful.
Be Patient
In the beginning of the school year it's always hard for my Maxx to adjust. I can almost guarantee the first quarter-semester will be rough. He won't have a good citizenship grade and it doesn't rattle me.
If your child typically is slow to change, why would jumping into a class of strangers and a new teacher be the exception. Give it time.
Communicate
Whether your child has an (IEP) individual education plan or not if your child struggles in school, get talking. I would communicate and even conference with his teacher (soon after school starts- like NOW if you haven't already). Don't wait for the P/T Conferences. Those don't allow enough time for what you need to achieve in the conversation. This will help the teacher and any support teams know his quirks and triggers as well as what motivates him. They will never know your child as well as you. Giving them the inside scoop will progress your child's cooperation way quicker than allowing it to just evolve.
Words of Life
Words are powerful so speak positive or find help from others.
If everywhere your child goes for class she is struggling, what she also needs is assurance of being loved and that she is so very valuable. Put yourself in her shoes. If you feel like a nuisance or that people just tolerate your behavior, that can really eat at you and effect your behavior. Speak the good that you see in your child. Do you believe with God's help she can make good changes? If yes, tell her. If no, keep those words to yourself and find more people to support you and her in the middle of this difficult time. Sometimes we REALLY DO need other people to provide what we cannot for one reason or another give. It is God's design- the Body of Christ.
Pray!
Honestly, pray. Seem simple but Your child needs to know God cares about this need. And as things get better, pointing that positive change to God helps build faith in God. Challenge your child to ask God to help her see and understand what needs to be done. Have her ask God for the courage and emotional strength to do what needs to be done.
God helps us in our troubles so we can help others. I praise God for the many people who help me raise my children.
Speak up and speak out positively to help another today. Parenting is not easy.
What other advice would you offer on this topic? Add it in the comments.
