| Help your child make the most of the fresh start. I just | | | | the best time to get kids to begin allocating regular time |
| had one of those déjà vu experiences! | | | | for study or school-related activities. |
| I was walking my dog Mia through my local primary | | | | 3. Reduce distractions that clutter their lives. Many kids |
| school this morning. It had gone through an instant | | | | start the school year with great intentions but by |
| transformation over the long weekend. The grass had | | | | March they fall into old habits because all the old |
| been mowed. The playground tidied and classrooms | | | | distractions are still there. Reduce, remove or place |
| had been cleaned in preparation for the new year. | | | | limits around distracting activities such as TV watching, |
| It took me back to my teaching days when the year | | | | electronic game playing, computer usage, SMSing |
| ahead was full of possibility. I remembered the | | | | mates - whatever overloads them. |
| optimism I felt at the start of each school year. | | | | 4. Focus on the processes of learning, not results of |
| I was optimistic because the start of the year is a time | | | | learning. If you want your child to stretch a little or lot |
| of change for kids. | | | | this year then you need to save your excitement for |
| The old slate has been wiped clean and kids have the | | | | effort, improvement and contribution rather than putting |
| chance to start afresh. | | | | them on a pedestal for their results of their |
| February is the time to set the pattern that can last for | | | | performance. Results-orientated kids often don't try |
| the whole year ahead. | | | | unless they know they can succeed. |
| Psychologically, it's easier to make a fresh start than to | | | | 5. Build real confidence. There are only two reasons |
| change mid-stream. Kids are open to establishing new | | | | why kids can't do well at school or pre school- lack of |
| habits, new behaviours and new ways of thinking at | | | | skill and lack of confidence. Kids will never get the skill |
| this time of the year. | | | | they require if their confidence is eroded. There are |
| So with the notion of a fresh start in mind here are | | | | plenty of ways to build confidence in kids including |
| five ways to make sure the year ahead is full of | | | | remaining upbeat yourself, even if your child isn't. |
| opportunity for your child, regardless of his or her age: | | | | The start of the year is also a good time for you as a |
| 1. Get your kids to school or pre school on time. A | | | | parent to reinvigorate yourself and learn new skills that |
| simple idea but an increasing problem for many | | | | can have a lasting impact on your kids. Often small |
| families. | | | | changes you make in your parenting can have a |
| 2. Establish an after-school routine that includes study | | | | significant, lasting impact on kids. |
| or homework, even if they don't have it. February is | | | | |