How to be a caring parent
Apr 06, 2003
Try to imagine this scenario: It is a Saturday morning and you are still relaxed on your bed when your seven-year-old daughter knocks at your bedroom door.
PARENTS CORNER
By Wagwau Jamesa
Try to imagine this scenario: It is a Saturday morning and you are still relaxed on your bed when your seven-year-old daughter knocks at your bedroom door.
“Mummy I want you to see the nice picture I have coloured.†You feel completely irritated by this innocent voice disturbing your morning slumber.
“Can’t you wait for me to wake up first? Is looking at your picture that urgent, why don’t you give me a break!†you bark in a no nonsense voice.
The girl’s sense of self worth has been pulled down. To her, your statement means that “you together with your coloured picture are not worth your time.â€
Your child wants you to be closely involved in his studies. Did you know that your child’s success in studies is three dimensional? There are three key players involved in this game; you, your child and the teacher.
As a parent you will find it almost natural to apportion blame to the teacher should your child fail to perform well in class. But ask your self whether your role has been satisfactorily played.
Do you ever spare time to show interest and involvement in your child’s studies?
How can you do this without interfering with the teacher’s role? Here are some tips to help you.
Ensure that you buy all the scholastic as well as the dormitory requirements at the beginning of term.
Find out from the teacher the essential text books you need to buy right on the first day of reporting.
Get to know your child’s class teacher. Discuss with him/her the child’s weaknesses and find out how best you can be of help.
Do not simply pay fees and drive off. See your child’s the individual teachers and find out how your child performs in each subject. Teachers like parents who feel deeply concerned with their children’s educational affairs.
In case your child is in a day school, make a follow up on every assignment given at school. Help where possible without necessarily doing the work for the child. Ensure also that the child is picked from school in time and that he/she has sufficient time to do his/her homework and go to bed in time.
Whenever you are at home, remember to spare some time to read with your child or tell him/her some stories. Although those moments may not be treasured by you, to the child they form special memories for life.
As a parent, the greatest gift you can ever give to your child is education. Your involvement in your child’s education can only be felt if you sacrifice both your time and resources.
Be a good parent!
The writer is a counsellor and headteacher of Highfield Junior Academy
By Wagwau Jamesa
Try to imagine this scenario: It is a Saturday morning and you are still relaxed on your bed when your seven-year-old daughter knocks at your bedroom door.
“Mummy I want you to see the nice picture I have coloured.†You feel completely irritated by this innocent voice disturbing your morning slumber.
“Can’t you wait for me to wake up first? Is looking at your picture that urgent, why don’t you give me a break!†you bark in a no nonsense voice.
The girl’s sense of self worth has been pulled down. To her, your statement means that “you together with your coloured picture are not worth your time.â€
Your child wants you to be closely involved in his studies. Did you know that your child’s success in studies is three dimensional? There are three key players involved in this game; you, your child and the teacher.
As a parent you will find it almost natural to apportion blame to the teacher should your child fail to perform well in class. But ask your self whether your role has been satisfactorily played.
Do you ever spare time to show interest and involvement in your child’s studies?
How can you do this without interfering with the teacher’s role? Here are some tips to help you.
As a parent, the greatest gift you can ever give to your child is education. Your involvement in your child’s education can only be felt if you sacrifice both your time and resources.
Be a good parent!
The writer is a counsellor and headteacher of Highfield Junior Academy