Parents can help their children succeed in the new school year by letting them know what they expect. And when parents expect a child's best effort, that helps the child do his best.

If you let a child know that school is his job and that you expect him to do his best there, he is more likely to do well. If you don't expect him to work hard and make him think he is a poor student, that is what he will be.

Praise good efforts and improvement, and tell your child you believe in him. It will go a long way in promoting school achievement.

Although it is important for parents to expect their child's best, it is also important not to expect perfection. Even the best student will make mistakes, and he needs to know that is okay, too.

Children react to what their parents think about them. Help your child be his best in school by expecting his best.

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