Monday, September 7, 2015

With this new school year off and running, I want my sons (a 2nd grader & a 5th grader) to be successful. They are both so different. I want them to get good grades, but I worry they will think that's the only thing that matters in life. Where's the balance?

Of course, we all want our children to be successful in life. One of those ways is to find success in school.  Maybe there were some areas they struggled with last year that they want to conquer this year.  Maybe there are just some brand new challenges ahead this year.  Yes, we all want our children to be successful, but just keep in mind:  Success comes in many forms.
To help your children (and the whole family) see this, try some activities:
  1. Discuss success with your family around the dinner table tonight. Try not to be too focused only on academic success.   How do each of you define it? How does each hope to achieve it?
  2. For some inspiration, try reading this poem by Harry Emerson Fosdick:
To laugh often and much;
to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty;
to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.

3.  Help your child write down all the ways he has already been successful- both big and small.  Now, let the rest of the family do it, too!  Post your ideas somewhere visible for all to see and share.  Let your child see all the beautiful ways he can be successful!

Your child is already full of wonder and beauty and successes. While on the road to academic achievement, try not to lose sight of the many other important things and all of the other ways that people are successful in life.

:) Cindy & Patti

See our workbook available for purchase at www.365TeacherSecrets.com for a sample page for you and your child to write down ways your family is successful.

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