Getting Involved in Your Child's Education: Four Easy Tips

By Byron Jonas

All parents want what's best for their children - the best values, the best experiences, the best belongings. What is at the top of that list of "best" wishes is education.

As parents, we know that a great education is key to our children's future.

From nursery school to secondary school to college, the things they learn in these institutions will have a huge influence on their lives.

An excellent education is imperative. Unfortunately, it is not guaranteed. This is why we as parents must be constantly actively involved in our children's schooling. It is our job to make sure that they are sufficiently equipped with the tools they will need later in life to become happy and prosperous adults. Here are four ways to do so:

1. Ask for References Requesting references is a practice to be employed at the very beginning, before sending kids to day care or preschool. You must make sure that the institution to which you'll be sending your child to is upstanding in its curriculum and approach. You must also make sure that it is safe. You may ask friends and acquaintances for opinions and thoughts about schools in your area. You may also want to ask the institution itself for a list of references. These people should be able to answer any questions and calm any concerns you may have.

2. Encourage Involvement Especially as kids get older, school stops being all about academics and the classroom. Encourage your children to get involved in extracurricular activities. Don't be too pushy - you don't want your son feeling pressured to become the captain of the basketball team or your daughter the class president overnight. That said, try to get your child involved in at least one activity. Involvement in extracurricular activities is a way to expand horizons. It also possesses excellent social components and, of course, looks very good on a university application.

3. Know What's Going On Know what's going on in your child's personal and academic life. There's no need to be a snoop or to make a visit to the principal's office, a simple ongoing conversation will do. Know what classes your kids are taking and ask them how things are going. Offer to help them with homework or hire a tutor if they're struggling - you don't want a little bit of confusion to lead to a failing grade. Find out when parent-teacher conferences are and go to them, and keep lines of communication open at all times.

4. Learn About Your Child You'll be surprised to find out how much you can find out from your children just by asking. Establish a dialogue with them about their goals and interests. Don't expect any definitive answers regarding their futures, but do know that they probably have a few things in mind. Let your children know that they should feel comfortable coming to you when the time arrives to start thinking about the future. - 30224

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