The Holidays as Half-way Mark

As the holidays arrive, everyone—children and parents alike—welcome a breather from academics. But with the remaining half of the school year looming around the corner, you can’t completely forget about school. In fact, those few weeks between classes offer the perfect opportunity to assess how the first half of the year has gone, and to renew or strengthen your commitment to helping your child make the most of the remaining school year. Here’s how.

• Review and renew. Sit down with your child and assess how things have gone at school thus far. Ask your child: What can we do to make the second half of the year as good as, or better than, the first half? Be specific. Have your child come up with some concrete examples of subject areas in which he excelled, and why, as well as areas that need improvement, and ways to make that happen. Then, take the list out on a regular basis throughout the remainder of the year as a reminder of your commitments.
• Stay involved. As children progress from the earlier to the more advanced grades, they are required to take on increasing amounts of responsibilities. And while they eventually need to become independent, now they still need your assistance. So without being intrusive, stay involved every step of the way. Know how much homework needs to be done, when tests will be given and long-term projects due. “The research shows that the most successful students have one thing in common: involved parents. So be a gentle nudge,” says Richard Bavaria, vice president of Education for Sylvan Learning Center.
• Commit to communicate. Make it your New Year’s resolution to have daily discussions with your child about school. And, if you haven’t been maintaining periodic communication with your child’s teachers, start doing that as well. If your child isn’t forthcoming about what happens at school, check your approach. What’s your tone? Are you judgmental? Are you attempting to solve problems or give advice? If your child feels threatened by your motives, he’s likely to clamp down. But if you simply listen, chances are you’ll get more out of him. “On some level, all children want their parents’ interest, approval and love,” Bavaria says.
• Take time for family. It might be tempting to try and squeeze in lots of ‘academic boosters’ and such over the holidays, but try not to go overboard. “Holiday is a time for family. Children should be spending as much time building family memories as they are evaluating academic progress,” Bavaria says. Plus, by strengthening bonds with your children in non-pressure situations, they’ll be more likely to turn to you for academic support.

If your child is falling behind academically, consider getting additional help. Without the daily pressures of school, the holidays can be a good time to introduce tutoring into a child’s schedule. It may be just the gift for a child in need. To speak with a Sylvan Expert, call 1-800-228-3413 or chat online with one now.