Syracuse Parent and CNY Family

Jennifer Wing, editor of "Syracuse Parent" and "Mother Knows Best," lives in Manlius with her husband, Eric, and children, Cassidy, 7, and Jacob, 5. She has worked at Eagle Newspapers since 2005. You can leave comments below. She may also be reached at editor@syracuseparent.net

What we're thinking: Become involved in your child’s education
Posted on Wed, January 6th, 2010
Written by: Jennifer Wing, Editor
email: editor@syracuseparent.net

Become involved in your child’s education
Do you know what your child’s strengths or weaknesses in school are? If not, maybe you aren’t spending enough time on some of the basics when it comes to being involved with your son or daughter’s education.
It’s very easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind. With pressures both at work and at home, many parents are more stressed than ever these days, with less time and energy left at the end of the day.
Although you may have had a bad day at work or might be struggling with other issues, it is important to make time for your children and remember that they have many stresses as well.
Being involved in the education of your child begins with listening to them. Ask specific questions about their day, such as “What did you learn in math today?” rather than the all-encompassing “How was school today?” You’ll be amazed at how much they will open up if they feel you are truly interested, and as you gather information from them, you will find that you become more involved in their day-to-day lives.
Another way to be engaged in your child’s schooling is to help them with their homework. If they are older and do the work on their own, check their work over with them when they have finished. If they are struggling with a subject or activity, remain patient and work through their difficulties with them. If you become concerned about their struggles, contact their teacher and set up a mutually convenient time to meet, face-to-face.
A story on page 8 of this month’s Parent describes how one student’s battle against a learning disability has been fought in partnership with his parents and his school. His mother and father played a crucial role in getting him the help he needed, and it all started simply, with their realization that he needed that help.
Even if there are not any problems with schoolwork, when parents show their children that they are interested in their education, they are also letting them know how crucial learning is.
This interest also reinforces to the children how important their happiness and success is to their parents, building in them self-esteem and confidence as they go out and find their way in the world as productive, happy students.

Jennifer Wing, editor of "Syracuse Parent" and "Mother Knows Best," lives in Manlius with her husband, Eric, and children, Cassidy, 7, and Jacob, 5. She has worked at Eagle Newspapers since 2005.