With all the running around we do as parents, it can be difficult to figure out what those priorities should be. There is pressure from our children to support their involvement in multiple activities, pressure from the school to make sure they stay on top of all their homework, pressure from coaches to put sports activities ahead of all else, and the ultimate pressure of making sure our children are happy, healthy and safe!
It is so important to ask yourself: Where are the limits?
Protect your child’s after school time and use it wisely.
• Make sure your child’s time is set up to provide a balance between academics and outside activities, and between planned activities and free time.
• Make sure that academics are in first place when allocating their time. Remember, their job right now is to be a student.
• Plan to accomplish rigorous course work and do more than the minimum required. Set high academic goals and start early. College planning begins in 6th grade.
• Provide both help and opportunities for challenging academic pursuits.
• Expose your children to a variety of people who can teach and mentor them, both personally and academically.
• Encourage sports, dance, music and other pursuits that are “extra curricular”. Everyone needs to be well-rounded, but you also need to be selective. These activities should not be the driving force in your family. Yes, these can play a role in college admission, but don’t be fooled, your child is most likely not going to get a scholarship by putting these first. In fact, the odds of making it to the pros are like the odds of winning the lottery.
If college admissions are the ultimate goal it is important to know what colleges are looking for. At the same time, it is important to build the character traits that will help your child successfully transition into the college environment.
Join us for Coffee Chat, which will be held once per month. These are free parent information meetings. Call to register at 661-255-1730.
The Director of Math Support Services will host these informational meetings to discuss how you can support you child on their journey towards college. She has been an educational advocate for higher education for more than 30 years. She spoke to the SCV Gifted and Talented Assoc. on “Raising Children in Challenging Times.” She is also a former advisor to MESA (Math, Engineering and Science Assoc.) at College of the Canyons and an active College Foundation member.
Math Support Services is accredited by WASC and provides tutoring and transferable math and Science courses. Visit us on the web to learn more. www.mathsupportservices.com, 661-255-1730.