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Featured Guidance Article

How To Know If Your Child Is Doing Well

"How well is my child doing at school?" is an important question for you to ask as a parent. The best way to find the answer is through communication. That’s right...talk. Start with your child. If he or she volunteers information about school, listen. If your child is reluctant, then ask questions. Draw out the information you need in order to be able to evaluate his or her feelings.

A child’s performance at school normally reflects his or her attitude about school. Success and happiness seem to go hand in hand. A child who is performing at or above his or her potential is generally content in the classroom. A child who does not want to go to school, seems to have few friends, or is unprepared to start the day may be experiencing problems at school. If this is the case, call the classroom teacher to schedule a conference so that you can air your concerns. Your child’s teacher can offer some valuable insights as to what is happening. It may be a problem as simple as your child being unhappy about who he or she sits next to. Someone may be bothering your child, or he or she may be having difficulty seeing the chalkboard. Perhaps your child is a bit too social and doesn’t hear the teacher’s instructions. Making a small change early in the school year may make a big difference later on…

Featured FAQ - Frequently Asked Question

Question:

What can we do about our children fighting all the time? They are really hurting each other!

Answer Summary:

Siblings fight in order to learn how to settle things. Physical fighting usually involves younger children, especially if one is a toddler and doesn't yet have strong language skills. Teaching children to solve problems without fighting is an important process. Your public library or local bookstores have many excellent books and tapes on teaching problem-solving behaviors. Most communities have parenting classes or parent-support groups to give you new ideas for dealing with this. Call your local school district, local health department, or community center to find out what's available in your town.

Featured Glossary Term

Ability Grouping

n. -- Placing children into instruction groups or classes based upon their capabilities--as opposed to age.

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