WASHINGTON – Parents can help students excel and cope with the stress of the school year by sticking to established procedures and routines.
“It makes children feel comfortable in what they’re supposed to do every day,” says Theresa Mitchell Dudley, Prince George’s County Education Association president. “Help them organize themselves,” she advises parents.
Stress busters recommended by Dudley and other education experts include:
- Lay out next-day clothes the night before
- Pack needed items and homework before bed
- Take away electronics well before an established bedtime
“When they come to school in the morning, you definitely don’t want them laying their heads on the desk because they’re so exhausted because they were playing on the PlayStation until two in the morning,” Dudley says with a sigh.
- Set a regular time for homework
- Establish a specific place for homework
- Choose a homework area free of distractions
- Make sure the area has good lighting
- Create a special drawer for school supplies
- Allow down-time between school or activities and new assignments to give young brains a mental health break
Parents can help motivate children who are frustrated or discouraged with tough subjects by citing examples of people who refused to give up.
“People like Abraham Lincoln who didn’t give up, he ran for office how many times?” Dudley asks rhetorically.
Before becoming president Abraham Lincoln failed in business, had a nervous breakdown, was defeated in elections or nominations for land officer, the state legislature, and Congress and was defeated twice in runs for the U.S. Senate.
“Give examples of people who stuck to it,” Dudley says.
Dudley also believes in the power of loving support and encouraging words. Before sending children to school in the morning say you love them.
“And, show the world how smart you are.”
