A Parents' Guide to Student Success: How to Advocate for Your Child

When you step on an elevator, do you turn to face the door? This situation shows how unwritten "rules" in our society keep things running smoothly. Likewise, many parents know the "rules" to help their child do well in school. The United Parents Group is sharing some of what we have learned.

It is every parent's responsibility to become the educational manager for his or her child. Here are some of the unwritten rules that you can follow to help your child succeed in school:

Act as Your Child's Education Manager

• Be informed about your school and the school district; read the school district's Website: www.cheltenham.org. Cable Channel 42 also offers information and news about the district.
• Know your school's rules and policies and encourage your child to obey them; read the student and the parent handbooks.
• Keep the phone number for your child's school in a handy place.
• Visit the school over the summer break and talk briefly, one-on-one, with the principal. (All of them are friendly. Call first to find out his or her schedule.)
• Never miss a parent-teacher conference! Be prepared with ideas and questions.
• Share with the school through his or her teachers your child's strengths, talents, and interests.
• Communicate with your school when your child has a problem that may affect how he or she does in school.
• Express your concerns about your school's programs and policies and/or your child's progress in school openly with the school. See the UPG's How Parents Can Help Students Resolve an Issue, Concern, or Conflict at School.
• Keep an education file folder with your child's important school records and papers.
• Attend PTO meetings and other school functions regularly!
• Volunteer your time for school functions whenever you can.
• Show appreciation for your child's principals and teachers. Sending a simple thank-you note from you or your child teaches gratitude.
• Set aside a time and place for homework and ask if assignments are completed. Help your child break down large projects into small steps. Make school and study a priority when planning doctors' visits and family vacations.
• Set household rules to limit television, computer games, and other electronic games and to provide safe use of the Internet. (Check Internet Safety)
• Check your child's school bag every day (in every grade), and read and respond to every announcement and letter that comes home. For older, responsible children, ask daily about school notices, but reserve the right to continue checking.
• Praise your child's efforts and his or her accomplishments: "I like the way you ..." or "I feel proud when you ..."
• Every day, ask your child a specific question about his or her day that frames school as worthwhile. For example, "What was one fantastic fact you learned in school today?" or "What was the best part of school today?" Respond by repeating in your own words what you think your child said. Ask your child to give an example and to clarify what he or she means. Keep communication going.
• Surprise your child with small rewards for extra effort or special achievements. Hang a great report card on the refrigerator door.
• Call the School District's Parenting Center, (Activities and Resource Center), 215-663-6411, when you are unclear about how to handle a personal situation with your child. Don't be afraid to ask for advice from the experts!
• Be a role model to your child in everything you do. Let your child see you vote, recycle, use good manners, drive courteously, help a friend, volunteer in your community, read a book. Some day these efforts will pay off!

Prepare Your Child

• Arrange for your child to have organized, social and educational preschool experiences, such as a playgroup or nursery school.
• Read aloud with your child every day. Talk about what you read.
• Set aside some time every week to play with your child, doing something he or she chooses.
• Insist on good health and safety: make sure he or she gets enough sleep, eats right (eats breakfast!), wears a seat belt, wears a bike helmet, etc.
• Encourage your child to play outdoors every day. Help your child find a sport or physical activity he or she enjoys.
• Give your child a sense of family and history by talking about what you thought about and did as a child.
• Instill good values by talking with your child about things that are important to you, for example, thriftiness, fairness, and respect for others.
• Talk about school in positive terms with your child, pointing out that school is important.
• Meet your child's friends and get to know their parents.
• Talk about families, careers, and money and the connection between jobs and school.
• Encourage your child to have big dreams and to set short-term goals. Tell your child what you expect of him or her.
• Encourage your child to find a hobby, to help a neighbor, and to volunteer in the community.
• Attend plays, concerts, parades, festivals, and other cultural events. Take factory tours; visit museums, historic sites, and college campuses. (Many are free or inexpensive.)
• Take your child to the library, apply for a library card, and use it often.
• Play music or sing together; talk with your child about why you like the music you like.
• Sign up your child for at least one organized after-school activity, such as sports, scouting, art or music lessons, or a cultural or religious group. (In many cases financial help is available.)
• Find out about summer activities for children, such as day camp, sports or music camp, study abroad, or volunteer service. (The school counselor can help you.)