Involved Parent Article Archive

• When You’re the New Mom (or Dad) at SchoolIf you think being the new kid at school is difficult, try being the new parent. Your child may have the ability to make new friends during class, over lunch, and at recess, but for you it’s not so easy. Our experts offer specific ways to reach out and develop successful connections with other parents and your child’s teacher.
• Stepparents and School: It’s Complicated, but Not ImpossibleRemarriage brings happiness and a new start for many hopeful couples, but children from prior marriages must be given time to adjust to a new family dynamic. What role should stepparents have in a child’s school life? Not pushing for too much too soon is key, according to our experts.
• 10 Ways To Help Your Child Successfully Return to SchoolWhether parents like it or not, we are our children’s barometers. How they react to potentially stressful situations like the first day back at school depends on how we act. Teach your child that you believe in her and know she can tackle any challenges that come up during this new school year.
• What Kids Need To Succeed in SchoolFrom safety scissors to new shoes, you go out of your way to make sure your children get what they need for school. But it’s just as important to make sure your routine at home gives them what they need to learn. Here are seven simple ways you can help your kids arrive at school healthy, happy, and ready to learn.

Get Involved at School

• When You’re the New Mom (or Dad) at SchoolIf you think being the new kid at school is difficult, try being the new parent. Your child may have the ability to make new friends during class, over lunch, and at recess, but for you it’s not so easy. Our experts offer specific ways to reach out and develop successful connections with other parents and your child’s teacher.
• Why Parent Involvement MattersGetting involved in school can help your child get a better education.
• 9/11: Tips for Observing the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 With Your ChildrenAdvice on how to address the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, with your children without overwhelming them.
• A Teacher’s Advice for Struggling StudentsCarol Wooten, winner of a presidential teaching excellence award, shares her insights with parents whose kids are having trouble reaching their full potential in school.
• 5 Ways To Help Your Child Succeed in SchoolGet your children ready to perform like heroes in school with these teacher-recommended tips.
• How To Get Involved at School20 simple ways you can help your child and the school.
• Parents Step UpThese inspiring parents shared their talents and time to help their children's schools become even better places to learn.
• Understanding Common Education TermsEver feel like you need a translator to understand what a teacher is saying? This collection of common school and education terms will help you understand the acronyms and jargon you may encounter.
• Schools Push for Healthier SnacksBirthday treats and bake sales are out at many schools. Baked chips and fresh fruit are in.
• The IEP Process at SchoolParents play an important role in making sure their children get the right special education services. These tips can help you advocate for your child throughout the IEP process.

View all 'Get Involved at School' articles.

Inspiration for Parents

• 8 Back-to-School Family TraditionsCreating back-to-school memories for your children can be simple or elaborate. The tradition doesn’t matter; what does is easing them back with a special memory.
• Instill a Love of Learning in Your ChildTo encourage curiosity and a passion for learning in your child, discuss things you’re interested in, show her real-world examples, and don’t forget to take her lead.
• Parents Step UpThese inspiring parents shared their talents and time to help their children's schools become even better places to learn.
• ADHD: One Family's StoryA mom recounts her family’s experiences with ADHD, from her child’s first struggles in school and diagnosis to adjusting his routine at home and school.
• Crafty Parent Shares Her TalentsSharon Johnston has always loved crafts. Now she’s passing on her passion to the students at her daughter’s school.
• My Life as a VolunteerSpending time in her children’s classrooms brings a mom joy, insight, and unexpected rewards.
• Single Dad Makes School a PriorityDespite his busy work week, this father is a known presence at school—and reaps the benefits for his children.
• Jane Kaczmarek on Being a Real-Life MomMalcolm in the Middle mom talks about the importance of education and limiting TV time.
• One Last Dance With My DaughterA mom writes movingly about what it means to be involved in her child's school and education. A must-read for any parent who has ever thought about volunteering at school.
• Inspirational Moms and DadsThrough big deeds or small, these five parents volunteered their talents and left a lasting impression at their children's schools.

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Motivating Your Child

• Should Kids Be Forced To Finish Activities They've Started?It’s a familiar story: Your child begs to sign up for an activity, then weeks later refuses to go and begs you to let him quit. Our experts offer help in handling this frustrating scenario, as well as tips for preventing it in the future.
• When Motivation Levels Differ: Motivating Your Kids Without Comparing ThemIn many families, one child is self-motivated and directed while the other is not. How should parents help the unmotivated child without drawing comparisons to the independent, self-starting sibling?
• Handwritten Thank-You Notes Offer Many Ways To LearnParents can add humor—and math and history learning—to this task, which is one that most children initially resist.
• 10 Easy Ways Families Can Exercise TogetherTelling kids to “go out and play” doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily get the exercise they need. Pursuing fitness and an active lifestyle as a family, however, shows your child how much you value exercise and fitness, as well as learning new things.
• Parents Can Help Make Report Card Time a Time for LearningWhen your child comes home with a report card, make sure you focus on the right things.
• Help Your Child Set Some Goals for Finishing ProjectsWriting down goals can inspire your child to get started on projects such as a book report.
• Find Out Why Your Preteen Is Procrastinating, Find a SolutionPutting things off until the last minute is an easy habit to fall into.
• Getting organized is the first step toward a successful yearThe amount of work expected in middle school can be daunting to a child.
• Foster Love of Learning With Family Field TripsWant your child to be more curious? Be more interested in the world? Be more motivated to learn?
• Help Your Child Set Achievable, Specific GoalsYour child will be more motivated to do his best if he is working toward a result that is meaningful and important to him.

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Motivating Your Teen

• Should Kids Be Forced To Finish Activities They've Started?It’s a familiar story: Your child begs to sign up for an activity, then weeks later refuses to go and begs you to let him quit. Our experts offer help in handling this frustrating scenario, as well as tips for preventing it in the future.
• Handwritten Thank-You Notes Offer Many Ways To LearnParents can add humor—and math and history learning—to this task, which is one that most children initially resist.
• Parents Need To Encourage Girls To Study Science, MathEveryone can learn math and science—and they need to.
• Show Your Adolescent How To Become a Real InventorInventing something can help people feel good about themselves.
• Don’t Just Criticize Teens; Offer Them Positive FeedbackParents try to help teens by offering opinions and advice.
• This School Year, Help Your Teen Be a Responsible CitizenTeens seem to be among the least involved citizens in our country.
• You Can Inspire Your Teenager Without Ever Saying a Word!Like many parents, Bay City, Michigan, reader Brenda Paten finds important ideas and values in the parenting articles she reads.
• Teach Your Child These Tips for Practicing Music, SchoolworkWhether your child is learning to play the trumpet or learning to solve for X, she needs to practice.
• Show Your Teenager How the Library Can Help Her SucceedWhen students have a big assignment due, most of them visit the library for help.
• Here’s How to Coach Teens Into Making Good DecisionsIf your teen acts like a mature adult one day and a little kid the next, it’s normal! He may be struggling with all the new decisions he has to make: What can I do to fit in?

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Setting Expectations

• How To Manage School ClutterArt projects, school flyers, and dirty gym clothes are just a few of the things your kids bring home from school. Here’s how to keep it all under control.
• Homework: Why It MattersHomework can be a hassle, but it’s not just busywork. Here’s what you should know about your child’s homework and how to take the “ugh!” out of study time.
• Talk With Your Child About the InternetExpert advice from Marian Merritt on teaching your child to be safe online and keeping the conversation going.
• Take Misbehavior SeriouslyChildren who misbehave a lot are at risk of being suspended from school.
• Make Sure Your Middle Schooler Is Academically FitSchools across the nation are raising their academic standards.
• Semester’s End is A Good Time to Review, Set GoalsSet aside some time to review the first semester of the school year with your child.
• Schedule Time to Review Goals, Expectations With Your ChildThe end of the calendar year is a good time to review your goals and expectations for your child.
• Parents Who Monitor Children Influence Behavior & GradesNow that your child is in middle school, you don’t need to hover over her every minute.
• Show Your Middle Schooler How to Start the Year Off RightFew middle schoolers know how to set goals on their own.
• Do You Expect Enough From Your Adolescent Daughter?Expectations have a big influence on kids.

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