| So many parents complain that their children don't listen | | | | and that the teacher deserves respect. These same |
| to them. They can talk until they are "blue in the face" | | | | children will also be more willing to complete their |
| and yet the child still does the same behavior that the | | | | homework and they understand that there will be |
| parent is trying to change. | | | | consequences for misbehaving. |
| Children actually listen and hear more than we give | | | | If parents have a negative attitude about the school |
| them credit for. How many times has your child asked | | | | and/or teacher, very often their children will show the |
| specific questions about a phone conversation you just | | | | opposite behavior: misbehaving in class, disrespecting |
| finished? Although they look like they are plugged into | | | | the teacher or other classmates, or not turning in |
| their game and distracted, very often they are listening | | | | assignments or projects. Sometimes these children |
| to the adult conversations around them. | | | | can be punished or reprimanded for bad behavior and |
| If this is true, then parents need to be more careful | | | | they won't care. |
| about the language and attitudes they convey to their | | | | Sometimes a parent's one-sided conversation can be |
| children when they think the kids are not listening. | | | | misunderstood by the child. If you tell a friend on the |
| Young children especially are very impressionable and | | | | telephone that little Suzy is failing math and that's all |
| eager to believe what parents tell them or to mimic | | | | she hears, she may not understand how to work |
| how their own parents act. | | | | harder to raise her grade. All she hears is that she's |
| One of the common subjects that parents have | | | | failing, which can often lower her self-esteem and |
| definite opinions about is school. Some parents like their | | | | diminish her excitement about going to school. |
| child's teacher, others will despise the teacher. Some | | | | Obviously, these are some generalizations and not |
| parents agree with the school's philosophy and rules | | | | every parent or child will fall into these two categories. |
| while other parents will rebel. No matter what category | | | | There could also be other reasons for why a child's |
| you fall into, chances are your child is watching you | | | | grades start to fall. But looking at your own beliefs and |
| and adapting YOUR opinions and actions about school | | | | comments about the school is a good place to start |
| as their own. | | | | and having a conversation with your child about the |
| When parents have a positive attitude about school, | | | | importance of doing well in school can benefit the |
| their children understand that going to school is their | | | | whole family. |
| job, getting good grades is important for their future | | | | |