Parents, be there for kids

September 04, 2008 08:06 am

—

School's back in session, and with all the learning and activities that go with it, the academic year is the time when children need parents or guardians the most. And, this year, many schools are facing their own challenges because of the impacts of higher costs.

There's no question that being a parent these days is no easier than being a youth, because the pressures and troubles facing the latter make life a lot tougher for the former. But there is a good chance that support from guiding adults can help these children and teenagers get through the quagmire called "growing up."

And, according to the state School Boards Association, it's not getting any easier to be a school district.

"The increased costs we all deal with in our day-to-day lives are having the same impact on school districts," said Timothy G. Kremer, executive director of the NYSSBA. "The sour economy is dampening an otherwise exciting time for our children and educators."

Kremer added that ``while student achievement and improving graduation rates are always on the minds of school board members, surveys show that focus is being diluted by worries about having the proper resources to meet the rising tide of employee benefits and energy costs."

The situation puts even more pressure on parents, who must create an pro-learning environment at home.

Reading skills are vital to academic performance because, some experts say, children who don't read well are frustrated when they have to do it more rapidly in school settings. Those feelings can turn some children off to the whole educational process.

Help your children learn to read, and be a part of the continuing practice that is necessary for them to become good readers.

Most teachers say they almost always give homework assignments. If your children are coming home and telling you they don't have any homework, be skeptical and investigate.

When they do have it, talk about what they are studying and make the time to help them understand the topics with which they're having trouble.

Outside of school, take an interest in whatever activities your children are involved in. Attend sporting events, concerts and recitals. Show an interest in books they are reading and the pastimes they enjoy.

Communicate. Parents always like to think that their children will come to them with their problems. Experience teaches us that that is not always the case, but by talking without prying, questioning without accusing, you can at least make it clear that you are there to listen, understand and advise.

As resources become tighter in many school districts, it is more important than ever for parents to take on even more responsibility not only for setting the stage for learning, but also for cheering from the audience.