Nor does preaching

about the many benefits of education.

To motivate your child:

• Be a learner yourself. Let your child see you read books. Go to the library. Watch educational TV programs. Attend school functions. Tackle new projects. Show curiosity.

• Share what you learn. Talk about new ideas or scientific discoveries with your child. Discuss something you read or heard.

• Show interest in what your child is learning. Ask questions simply to learn and share—not to check up on or criticize your child’s efforts.

• Set aside a specific time every day for your child to study. This makes studying routine.

• Believe your child can learn. If you realistically show faith in his ability to learn, he will have more confidence in his ability as well.

• Never lose faith. If your child has problems in school, stay calm. Help him see that problems can be solved. Talk with the teacher, if needed. Figure out what your child can do to improve, and how you and the teacher can help.

• Meet your child’s basic needs. To learn, children need to feel rested, healthy and loved. They need to be free from emotional trauma.

• Value your child’s efforts. Tell him you like it when he tries.

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