As a parent of two children, ages 14 and 17, I know from personal experience how difficult it can be to stay involved in your child's education.

Trust me, however, when I say that YOU make all the difference in the world in the life of your child; be it in school or out of school, you are the game changer in the life of your son or daughter.

Throughout my 20 years of educating young people I have often been asked by parents about what they can do to help their child succeed in school. 

Below is a list of some things that you as parent can do to help your child become a better student:

*  Make sure your child has a consistent bedtime.  Their head should hit the pillow between 9 and 9:30 p.m. in order to guarantee them enough sleep during the night.

*  Breakfast!  It does not have to be fancy, but every child should have something in the morning at home before leaving for school.  Even if it is "pop tarts," something is better than nothing.  A breakfast a s simple as toast with peanut butter, a piece of fruit, and a glass of milk provides all 4 of the basic food groups.  A bowl of cereal with bananas or any berry provides 3 food groups.  Even a piece of fruit and a glass of milk packs a powerful punch of vitamins and minerals as fuel for your child!  Fresh fruit is key as it releases natural sugars into your child's body for a long lasting energy.

*  READ to them when they are young...even when they are only 1 year old.  CREATE time a few evenings a week to just read a short story to them.  Perhaps make it a bedtime ritual.  The stories don't have to be complicated, it is more important that they are fun!!!  Change your voice tone when you read, use "funny" speech, have your child repeat lines that you have read, ask them what they think about what is going on (I am huge Dr. Seuss fan by the way).  This will help instill in them a belief that reading can be enjoyable; even it is not for you, then I urge you to pretend it is for the benefit of your child!  The single MOST important academic skill a child can have is the ability to read and understand what is being read.

*  Teach them to be polite, respectful, and flexible.  The best way to do this is to model it yourself.

*  Ask them: "Tell me about your school day," when you see them.  Do not say, “How was your day?"  That question allows them a one word answer...by saying "tell me about your day," they have to have a conversation with you.  My wife and I always try to avoid asking questions that the kids can just give a one word answer to  : )

*  HOMEWORK:  Be very clear that homework is the FIRST thing to be done when they get home from school.  NO texting, playing outside, video games, or computer until AFTER the homework is done...then ask them to show you their work.... make them accountable.

*  For math I highly recommend the use of simple basic flash cards.  The earlier in their life they are used the better.  A child should know the basic multiplication facts up to 12 X 12 by the end of 3rd grade.  I have a method of studying these on one of my student pages.  By spending just 10-15 minutes a night with your child working on basic facts you will find that they will get most of them memorized in a month.  PLEASE be patient and encouraging of them when they make mistakes.

*  Remember:  We are their parents first.  It is more important that we be their parent before being their friend.  We are allowed to say "no" to them.  We are allowed to make them work for their rewards. We are allowed to not "spoil" them.

Through these simple steps you will give your child a great gift...the gift of increased opportunity and the ability to achieve at higher level of education.  Remember:  We are parents, so that makes us the most important asset and person in the lives of our children. 

Thank you for taking the time to visit this page.  If you have comments or suggestions to add please contact me and let me know!

Mr. Sheff