7 Essentials For Helping Your Child Academically  

An underachiever is a student whose school performance, typically measured by grades, is substantially poorer than what parents would expect on the basis of ability or intelligence tests. Unfortunately, underachievers often develop a poor self-concept.  Based upon research, shown below are seven characteristics of healthy parents who helped their child succeed academically. 

 1.         Read with their child daily.

 2.         Provide library books and other reading materials in the home.

 3.         Provide stimulating educational games on the computer, tablet, etc.

 4.         Have a healthy balance with educational and leisure “screen” time.

 5.         Use praise, not money, and encouragement when rewarding effort and improvement.     

 6.         Provide many life experiences and opportunities for success.

 7.         Affirm and appreciate their child on a daily basis.

 Today:  Begin using these 7 essential behaviors to help your child succeed academically. 

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MONDAY MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE

Similar to the wisdom of Proverbs, every Monday I will share a practical wisdom quote.  I pray this quote will make a difference in your personal life and relationships.  

“Children are not casual guests in our home. They have been loaned to us temporarily for the purpose of loving them and instilling a foundation of values on which their future lives will be built.”  James Dobson

10 Helpful Homework Ideas

 

Parents can play a major role in parenting their children for a successful school experience.  Here are 10 ways that parents can support and supplement what takes place in the classroom.  I will also post these homework ideas again next August. 

1.         Allow your child some time to unwind after school.

2.         Avoid the pressure of school by making homework a comfortable activity.

3.         Determine your child’s biological clock.  When is their best time for studying – before dinner or immediately after dinner.

4.         Create a quiet, study environment for your child to do homework, with good lighting and             necessary supplies. 

5.         Help your child with learning how to break major homework assignments into manageable chunks.

6.         Look over the homework after it is completed to see that it is neat and totally finished.

7.         Show interest in your child’s school work by displaying it on a bulletin board or the refrigerator.

8.         Help your child learn to study effectively for tests by:

            *          reviewing notes several days before the test

            *          asking the teacher what the test will cover

            *          save past quizzes because they are great study guides

 9.         Make sure your child gets enough sleep every night.

 10.       Compliment!  Compliment!  Compliment!  When your child works hard at their homework always reaffirm them with, “I really appreciate your wonderful effort!”

 Today:  Begin implementing these 10 helpful homework ideas. 

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10 Questions To Assess Marital Abuse

Marital abuse is the silent sin that causes damaging emotional and/or physical pain in too many relationships.  Abuse in marriage involves a persistent pattern of behaviors to exercise control, power, and entitlement.  There are six types of abuse:  emotional, verbal, physical, sexual, financial, and time.  Shown below are just a few questions to assess possible abuse in a marital relationship.

1.  Do you feel like you have to “walk on egg shells” to keep your spouse from getting angry?

2.  Does your spouse criticize many things that you do?

3.  Does your spouse isolate you by trying to cut you off from family and friends?

4. Are you compliant because you are afraid to hurt your spouse’s feelings?

5.  Does your spouse give you the silent treatment to punish you?

6.  Is your spouse hypersensitive and easily insulted?

7.  Are you frightened by your spouse’s temper?

8.  Does your spouse blame you for their anger?

9.  Does your spouse do everything to win an argument?

 10.  Does your spouse rant about injustices that are just part of life?

Today:  I pray that you are able to answer “no” to all these questions.  If you answered “yes” to a question(s) and have concerns for your personal well-being and marriage seek help from a professional. 

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7 Ways To Build Confidence In Your Child  

Regularly everyone, including your child, has setbacks and disappointments but what makes a difference in the response is a determined, never give up attitude!   Handling the challenges of life with a determined spirit requires that your child have confidence.    Shown below are 7 ways to build confidence in your child.

1.         Verbally affirm your child often with two phrases:  “I am proud of you” and “I believe in  you.”

2.         Help your child understand mistakes and setbacks are tremendous opportunities to learn even more and grow. 

3.         Teach your child to look for solutions when problems arise.  There are always solutions!

4.         Teach your child the importance of asking for help from others when looking for a solution.

5.         Stress to your child that focusing on the now, the present, is all that matters and that is what is within their control. Make a masterpiece of today!

6.         When you have a setback, model how well you handle that challenge.

7.         Every morning, have your child say aloud the affirmation, “I can and I will today!”

Today:  Begin implementing these 7 ways to build confidence in your child. 

Enjoyed this post?  Like or share on Facebook and Twitter to spread the word!  Please also “SUBSCRIBE” on my website for future newletters and information about my Christian marriage book.  See past blog posts under Practical Wisdom for Marriage, Parenting, and Life. 

10 Ways To Build Up Your Spouse  

Encouragement and affirmation are essential qualities for every spouse to possess.  It is important to seek ways to lovingly build up your spouse.  Shown below are 10 Ways to express regard and praise your spouse.

1.  Tell your spouse that you are proud to be their marriage partner.

2.  Talk often about things that your partner is interested in.

3.  Through your words and actions create a home atmosphere of peace and joy.

4.  Avoid being a “nag” or a “demanding boss.”

5.  Appreciate your spouse in one specific way each day.

6.  Let your partner know your expectations in a sensitive and loving manner.

7.  Never interrupt during a conversation.

8.  Take your spouse’s hand or arm when you walk together.

9.  Regularly show your partner your sense of humor.

10.  Never let a day pass without saying “I love you.”

Today:  Use one of these 10 Ways or create your own ideas for building up your spouse. 

Enjoyed this post?  Like or share on Facebook and Twitter to spread the word!  Please also “SUBSCRIBE” on my website for future newletters and information about my Christian marriage book.  See past blog posts under Practical Wisdom for Marriage, Parenting, and Life.