“I can’t think of anything to write about,” she says.

Or her science fair project plan is due tomorrow, but she hasn’t started yet. “Everything I think of is boring,” she says.

One way parents can help children is by leading them to think of a good idea for a project. Here are some things you might try:

• Try to make more than one suggestion. This will give your child a choice.

• Focus on your child’s interests. “You are interested in training our puppy. Could that turn into a science project?”

• Make a general suggestion that your child can make more specific. “You really like riding your bike. Maybe you can write something about bicycles.”

• If your child does choose one of your ideas, let it still be her project. Yes, you might have done the science project differently. But it’s your child’s project.

• Don’t get upset if your child doesn’t choose one of your ideas. Show an interest in whatever your child chooses to do.

• Remember that coming up with ideas for school projects is not your main responsibility. If you can’t think of anything, don’t feel guilty.

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