Attendance. Businesses know how important attendance is. When they call schools before hiring a graduate, they ask first about attendance and then about grades. Teach your child that attendance is important. You go to work if it’s cold or if you have a headache. Pass on those same values to your child.

Attitude. Jesse Jackson often says, “It’s your attitude and not your aptitude that determines your altitude.” In other words, the brightest student may be a failure if he doesn’t work hard. Help your children learn the importance of work. Let them know you expect them to try their best.

Achievement. We all need goals. Help your child learn to set goals—in school and at home. Then support him as he works to achieve his goals. Encourage your child to keep raising his sights. Make a time for homework. Let him see the relationship between hard work and achievement.

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