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Ms. Rona Smith encourages parents to share the
following five tips with your child. Teach by example and explain the
importance of treating others the way you want to be treated.
March 10, 2008
Set and Maintain Rules to Enforce Proper Discipline - Children
love rules. If
they are playing a game, the first thing they do is decide on the rules.
It’s no wonder that parents often find that rules make discipline a lot
easier. Your child wants to watch TV after school. “Homework first,” you
say. “It’s the rule.” If your child knows it’s the rule, he/she will
probably settle down without much grumbling. What if you don’t have many
rules? You can get children to accept rules without a power struggle if you
follow these steps.
1. Make
sure the rule is reasonable and enforceable. If it’s going to be
a family rule, you’ll have to see that it is enforced every time.
2. Start
with one rule. Talk with your child. Let your child know you’re
setting the rule. Don’t get into a battle; state the rule calmly.
3. Be
consistent. When your child doesn’t follow the rule, you’ll have to
enforce the consequence. This may mean turning off the TV or sending your
child to time out.
4. Don’t
argue. The rule is the rule. It will take a few days for your child to
adjust, but he/she usually will. Stand firm.
January 28, 2008
Take the test-
Give yourself five points for something you usually do, zero
points for something you never do, or any score in between.
1. I helped my child set learning goals for
the new year. We have posted these goals where she or he can see them.
2. We make time every
week or two for a regular visit to the public library or bookstore.
3. At least once a
month, we have a “No TV” night. Instead, we read together, play games, or
enjoy other family activities.
4. I have visited my
child’s school at least once. I have met with the teacher at least once.
5. This year, my child
and I will learn something new together.
Above 20 means you and
your family are determined to learn and play more together in 2008. A score
of 15 – 19 is average, keep learning together. Below 15 means you may want
to adopt one of these resolutions for 2008!
January 15, 2008
Please review these
five ways to help your child get along with their classmates or friends.
1.
Be available
any time your child wants to talk over problems concerning relationships with
others.
2.
Explain that if
two people can’t work something out, they should ask a third person to
mediate.
3.
Role-play
situations so your child learns how to solve problems that may come up with
others.
4.
Create
opportunities for caring, such as letting your child help bake cookies to
welcome newcomers to the neighborhood.
5.
Tell your child
to report any bullying or harassment he or she witnesses at school.
January 2,2008
- Teach
your child to be a good friend and neighbor by using kind words and
actions.
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Instill respect in your child for other people and their property and for
the laws that govern us.
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Remind your child that even best friends disagree. That’s okay, as long
as they talk things out.
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Demonstrate how to cool down when angry. For instance, take deep breaths
or count to 10.
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Encourage your child to practice good manners, like saying “thank you,”
“excuse me,” and “I’m sorry.”
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