Rewards and Challenges of Parenting and Teaching

Parenting and teaching are closely related endeavors with similar yet distinct responsibilities. Because home and school are a big part of a child's life, here are some thoughts on ways to support your child's success:

• Teach that learning is their "job."  Do you ever wonder what you can do to get your child interested in a particular subject or task? Here is an important lesson about school (and life): No one is always excited about everything! It's true that we absorb more when we find the subject matter interesting. However, children also should know that sometimes we all have to work to master the things we may find less interesting.
• Parental expectations have a big impact when it comes to a student performance. If you don't expect your child to do well, your expectations may be met! Remind and encourage your child to try to do his/her personal best.
• Thinking skills. Encourage and expect your children to think about problems at length before asking for help. Consider this: each time you tell a student the answer to a question, you deprive your child of the opportunity to figure out the answer on their own. Keep in mind, it is appropriate to help a student who has made a legitimate, but unsuccessful, effort to learn something without assistance. 
• Prioritize.  All children need down time. Playing (both alone and with others) is good for intellectual and social skills. However, as a priority, studies show that children who are encouraged to work first and play second tend to grow up with a well-developed work ethic. Try to set a regular time/place to study. As your child gets older, it's normal to expect that designated study time will get longer.
• Be sure your child has all the tools needed to do his or her best. Stability, your encouragement, a bedtime, and breakfast are a great foundation.

Parenting is the most important and sometimes can feel like the most difficult job there is! Here are some local resources that can help to support you in the process. 

G.E.A.R. Parent Network also offers tools for parenting and support. Here are some opportunities for further learning in the midcoast area.  All of these groups are offered FREE to parents/grandparents/caregivers and educators:

• ADHD 101--What we want to know but forgot to ask!  Wednesday, Feb 1 @ Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library 11am-1pm or Thursday, Mar 23 @ Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick 5:30-7:30 pm
• THE MOTIVATION BREAKTHROUGH: 6 Secrets to Turning on the Tuned-out Child Thursday, Feb 23, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, 5:30-7:30 pm.
• POSITIVE BEHAVIORAL SUPPORTS & TANTRUM MANAGEMENT: Self-Preservation & Success in Parenting Children with Behavioral Health Needs Tuesday, Mar 7 @ Medomak Valley High School, 5:30-7:30 pm
• GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN--Oh, My! Tuesday, Feb 7 @ Medomak Valley High School, 5:30-7:30 pm
• NON-TOXIC HOUSEKEEPING CLASS  Thursday, Feb 9 @ DHHS District Operations, Rockland, 9-11 am

Pre-registration is recommended: 1-800-264-9224  It's also possible to join these workshops remotely from your computer or mobile device. 

For more information, please feel free to contact Chelsey Weeks, the school counselor.