School Rocks!

Julie’s mom dropped one more cookie in the container, then sighing softly closed her nine year old’s lunch bag. As a school year began, she was concerned about how her little girl would adjust to a new teacher and moving up a grade. Julie seemed nervous and her mom wasn’t so sure either. She was determined however that Julie start the new school year with a good attitude.

Are your kids ready for a new school year – eager to get started in their new grade with new teachers? Parents, do your kids love to learn and have an enthusiastic interest in life? Child researchers tell us that this may be the most important factor to ensure your child’s success in school. A child who is fully and completely involved in a love of learning is a child who will find school interesting, fun and important. A parent’s attitude about school and about trying new things has an effect on how their child will respond. 

There are some behaviors and attitudes that help to encourage a child's confident excitement and anticipation about school.

1. Focus on positive things about school. Be eager and enthusiastic about each school day.

2.   Help your child to have a positive attitude about homework. When projects are assigned, be enthusiastic about the assignment and help your child to be eager to learn more about it. 

3.  As your child’s parent, you can make a big deal about how fun it is to learn something new. Kids will catch YOUR attitude about learning – if YOU love it and speak enthusiastic and encouraging words about their school – your kids will soon catch on

And remember this: if you dread school, anticipate problems in school, and speak discouraging words about homework and assignments, your kids will learn that attitude.  

Julie's mom was happy she had picked a lunch bag for her daughter which had one of the family's mottos printed on its side: "School Rocks!"

Enthusiasm for learning isn't easily taught – but it can sure be caught!