Happy Holidays!

Some students seem to be born leaders. They have the self-confidence, friendliness and helpfulness that make other people want to work with them. But all children, whether they are born leaders or not, have the ability to become leaders. Here are some ways you can help your child develop leadership skills:

• Look at leaders in the news. Whether you’re watching a story about a winning football team or a community effort to build a park, help your child see that someone was the leader of that group. Talk about the qualities that make people good leaders.

• Be a leader yourself. When you take a leadership role—whether it’s at school, in business or in your community—tell your child about what you’re doing and why. “I’m volunteering to help your school raise money so they can purchase more classroom computers.”

• Teach your child to see things from other people’s points of view. Good leaders aren’t bossy. They make people want to work together.

• Find leadership opportunities. Children can learn leadership skills in houses of worship, clubs, Scouts, athletic teams and many other organizations. Family meetings are another good way to develop “home-grown” leadership. Let children take turns chairing the meetings and managing family projects.

• Don’t push. Pressuring children beyond their abilities destroys self-esteem. If your child seems stressed or unhappy, it’s time to lighten up.

❄❄❄⛄⛄⛄❄❄❄

Respectful behavior is vital for education. When students show respect for teachers and classmates, they help create the positive academic environment all children need to be successful learners.

Encourage your child to:

• Address the teacher by name. Simply saying “Good morning, Mrs. Jones” is an easy way to show respect.

• Be courteous. Your child should say please and thank you to the teacher and classmates.

• Raise a hand. When students avoid interrupting and wait to be called on, they demonstrate respect for others.

• Do what’s expected. Everyone in the class has a job to do. If the teacher doesn’t plan any lessons, no one can learn anything. If students don’t do their jobs—completing assignments, listening to others—it makes it more difficult to learn.

• Listen to the teacher’s comments. Teachers want students to learn and improve. That means they have to point out mistakes. Students do much better in school when they can recognize and accept constructive feedback.

Look around your home during study time. Is your child singing to music? Are you answering your

child’s questions while checking your email? Multitasking has become a way of life for everyone, but not necessarily a good one. In fact, while multitasking, the brain doesn’t really concentrate on several tasks at once. Instead, it moves quickly from one thing to another—not giving anything its full attention.

To prevent multitasking mistakes:

• Eliminate distractions. Research shows that multitasking with technology (texting, listening

to music, watching videos, etc.) negatively impacts studying, completing assignments, learning

and grades. Choose a quiet place for your child to study—as free of distractions as possible.

• Think about the time of day when your child’s attention and motivation seem to be at their prime. Then, have your child schedule challenging work that requires a lot of focus during that time.

• Set an example. If you give your undivided attention when your child is talking or asking for help,

you’ll demonstrate how to focus.

• Limit multitasking to activities that don’t require much concentration. For example, your child can listen to music while cleaning a room.

Source: C. Kubu, Ph.D. and A. Machado, MD, “The Science Is Clear: Why Multitasking Doesn’t Work,” Cleveland Clinic.

Show your child how to become a person of character!

Children may be born with certain personality traits, but middle schoolers’ characters are works in progress. In other words, the kind of person your child will eventually become is still being shaped. To reinforce good character:

• Be a strong role model. Make sure your behavior demonstrates the values you’re promoting.

• Talk about responsibility. Give your child low-key prompts, such as: “I won’t worry about reminding you to finish your schoolwork. I know you’re responsible enough to do it on your own.”

• Promote a positive attitude. Show your teen how to look on the bright side of disappointing situations.

• Expect respect. Encourage your child to use manners, show up on time and listen to other’s ideas and opinions.

• Notice positive behavior. When you see your child demonstrating good character, talk about it and offer praise!

December usually contains a winter break from school. And once your child returns in January, the school year will be about half over. This is a great time to review the first part of the year and make plans for the next.

Looking at your middle schooler’s school attendance should be part of this process. Did your child attend school every day—except in the case of illness or family emergency? If so, congratulations! Encourage your child to keep up the good work for the rest of the year and beyond.

Regular attendance is a strong predictor of success in school. If attendance was lacking:

• Remind your child that regular school attendance is a priority in your family.

• Emphasize the need for rest, nutrition, exercise and health safety measures to stay in school. • Consider the reasons you take your child out of school. Is it possible to make future appointments outside school hours?

• Establish consequences for missing classes. Let your child know that skipping school erodes your trust.

See the link below for ideas families can use to help children do well in school. There is something for everyday of the month!

Middle School Students:https://www.parent-institute-online.com/download.php?subscription=middec23cal

Elementary Students: https://www.parent-institute-online.com/download.php?subscription=elemdec23cal

Your child looks at the calendar and imagines the joy of having free time for the entire winter school break. You look at the same blank squares on the calendar and have a mild moment of panic. To keep from hearing “I’m bored” during your child’s time off from school, make time for some of these fun activities that promote learning: • Help your child focus on others. This is the season for the “I wants.” Insist that your family take part in an activity that will help those less fortunate. • Prepare food together. Nearly every culture has some special foods associated with the holiday season. With your child, prepare foods you remember from your childhood. Share your memories. Or do some research and cook a dish you’ve never tried. • Select a movie that is based on a book. After you and your child finish reading the book, watch the movie together. Discuss how the two are alike and how they are different. • Encourage your child to learn more about the past and family history by talking with aunts, uncles, grandparents—even you. Together, brainstorm a list of questions to ask, such as, “What was school like for you when you were my age?” and “What trends were popular?” Your child can record the conversations, write them down, or just listen.