Helping a child deal with issues at school

Every child is unique, one of a kind, a special gift to his parents and family, to his city and country and ultimately to the world. The school years are important. It is then that the gifts and talents with which he will enrich the world during his lifetime, are recognized and developed.

Because the child is human, there will be problems and difficulties along the way. It is vital that they be addressed in a timely and competent manner, so as not to interfere with the evolving skills and talents that these years in school were intended to encourage.

Here a few tips to help facilitate a child's journey through the educational system:

*The child should be assured that parents and the school staff are working as a close, co-operative team, doing everything possible to help him succeed.

*Few children excel in every subject. If there is one giving particular difficulty, tutoring help for several months may be worthwhile. Often retired teachers will help, on a one-to-one basis, for a very reasonable cost.

*Parents should get to know their child's friends and their families. The young people should be welcome in your home. Join the parents' organization at school. If an issue with your child's interpersonal relationships arises, you'll be able to confer with the adults involved and offer informed comments to your young person.

*Volunteer with a group in which your child is involved: a sports team, scouts, church group or wherever he or she spends significant time outside of school. Watch how he interacts with peers. Offer gentle guidance, if needed, to correct social faux pas.

*Be sure the child has a quiet, comfortable, well-lit spot to do homework. Erect a notice board to help him remember upcoming tests and assignments. Establish house rules that homework is done before TV time.

*Encourage one or two extracurricular activities each week, but don't structure every waking minute. Children need time to dream, to explore, to socialize, to just "hang out" and get to know the world on an informal basis.

*Take your child often to your place of worship. Don't neglect his spiritual growth. Moral and ethical development are necessary components of a well-rounded personality.

Raising children is a difficult job; they don't come with instruction booklets. However, if a parent is attentive and available to the child and his friends during the school years, chances are everything will turn out splendidly. When the young adult you have nurtured and raised finally steps out into society on his own, you will stand proud and tall knowing that the gifts he brings to the world were formed and perfected by your faithful efforts.