Ways To Help Manage Time At Home

Summer has finally arrived! Many children across the nation are rejoicing in the fact that they will have three months of "free time". However, as the old saying goes "Time flies when you're having fun". Simply stated, we will soon begin to see "Back to School" sale signs at stores and in newspaper flyers as well as hear/see commercials on radio and television...and the sands in the hour glass will rapidly begin disappear. With that, comes another nine months of hard work in the class room and on the playing fields/courts. In order for your child/children to experience a relatively trouble free school year, here are some suggestions regarding how to effectively achieve that goal:

• Talk with your child daily about school and everyday happenings so you are aware of what is going on inside and outside of the classroom 

• See that your child gets plenty of sleep. The amount of sleep a child needs depends upon the individual and certain factors. Children ages 7 to 12 years need an average of about 10-11 hours of sleep per day; while 12 to 18 year olds need an average of about 8 to 9 hours per day (many of these kids need more but various social pressures conspire against getting enough sleep

• Instruct your child to complete homework as early after school as possible. Take a 15 minute break for a snack when you get home then begin your work.

• Provide a quiet, well-lit area in which you can concentrate

• Insist that homework be done away from the television and other 
distractions.

• If your child has trouble understanding something, try to help.
Ask your child to read the directions aloud to you to ensure they 
understand what to do.

• Ask questions to direct, rather than giving them answers.
Check assignments to see that they are complete (do not check answers, the teacher will do that).

• Be consistent.

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