10 WAYS FOR STUDENTS TO MAINTAIN
POSITIVE MOMENTUM ALL SCHOOL YEAR
by Christina Katz
A
h, the first few weeks of school. Backpacks are bursting with new books. Lunch
boxes are filled with nutritionally sound lunches and healthy snacks. Moods are
upbeat and bouncy. Kids head off to the bus or the car with a bit of optimism in
their step. Everything is new! Subjects are fresh challenges, teachers are as-of-yet
unknown, and the year is filled with the promise of positive potential.
A few weeks into the school year, though, kids hit
their first fatigue hurdle. Challenges crop up. Everything
starts to feel a lot less new and shiny. Teachers are
giving a lot of homework. Math is harder. Social circles
may be in flux. Friends can all be together in other
classes. Auditions and tryouts have come and gone with
unexpected results. What happened to all of the
optimism everyone had during the first week of school?
More importantly, how can you help your child navigate
the ups and downs that come as the school year clicks
into gear?
Here are ten ways to help your child
maintain positive momentum throughout
the school year.
1) Attitude check. The point of view you have
towards school and teachers is going to be mirrored by
your children. If you criticize and disrespect teachers and
administrators at home, don’t be surprised if your child
does the same at school. Are you friendly with teachers?
Do you volunteer at the school? Show your child that
teachers deserve respect, support and appreciation and
that school is a safe and fun place to learn. Attend
parent-teacher night, meet your child’s teachers, and
make sure they know you are an education ally.
2) Notice moods. Kids should be reasonably happy
to get out of bed each morning and go to school. If your
child does not have at least one or two activities to look
forward each week, address this together. The beginning
of the school year, the change in season or after the
holiday break are good times to get involved in new
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