PARENTING

By Deborah Mbuga

THE holiday is over and a new term has just begun. To many parents, this return comes with changes. If you have children in day school it is time to help your child change their routine.

There is no more going to bed late or extending the morning sleep.

The start of a new term is a time for transition from a more relaxed way of doing things to a strict time schedule. Like any other change, this can sometimes be uncomfortable for you and the child.

Planning will help you put the things on the right track. It helps to have school fees payment sorted out with your child’s head teacher and setting targets to be achieved during the new term.

You also need to rekindle the child’s enthusiasm for school by discussing what they will be learning and to reassure the child that school is important as long as they keep a positive attitude.

You are an active partner in your child’s education. You therefore need to take keen interest in the child’s school attendance and punctuality. International research shows that a parent’s involvement in a child’s education enhances a child’s self esteem, improves academic achievement and builds parent- child relationship.

In a research conducted in the US, children whose parents were involved in their school work showed great improvement in academic and interpersonal skills than those whose parents were uninvolved.

Do not forget about the safety. Whether children are walking back home, taking a school bus, using public means of transport or staying in a boarding accommodation, they need to be reminded to take their safety very seriously.

Encourage your child to adhere to safety rules while at school and away from school.

Are you are a parent? Do you have anything regarding education you would like to share with fellow parents? Please write to mwalimu@newvision.co.ug . Articles should not be more than 400 words. Send it with your picture