While children love the fun of the summer holidays, a recent study revealed the majority of parents look forward to their kids going back to school. 83% of parents admit to looking forward to September 1st when children are back in the classroom, according to the Kellogg’s Back to School survey.
 
Parents polled said they look forward to the new school term because it brings a return to routine for the family (87%), because they find it hard to keep the kids entertained during the summer months (49%), and because of the difficulty in arranging childcare during the summer (24%). While 19% of parents admit that they rejoice in the return of ‘more freedom’ for themselves.
 
The survey also revealed that most parents do not put academic achievement as the most important thing for their child to achieve at school. 40% of respondents selected an ability to socialise and the ability to interact with others as the preferred goal, while only 14% of those surveyed choose strong academic results as the main goal.
 
Commenting on the results of the Kellogg’s Back to School survey, Clinical Psychologist, David Coleman said: “I am encouraged that this survey demonstrates that most Irish parents want their children to be the best that they can be and that only a minority of parents assess this in terms of high academic achievement. It is important that all kids are encouraged to make the best effort that they can make in the school environment and that they are rewarded and recognised for the effort that they make, whether it be on the sports field, in the classroom or in the school yard.”
 
Communicating with your child about their day in school is very important as it is the best way of determining if they are happy and getting on well. 80% of parents surveyed say that asking them about their day is how they make sure their kids have a good day at school. While 97% say making sure that children have breakfast before they leave the house is how they ensure that there is a good start to the day, according new research published by Kellogg’s today.
 
According to David Coleman there are a number of simple tips which parents can employ to ensure that their children are equipped to do their best at school.
  • Make sure that children get a good night’s sleep
  • Establish the school-day routine as soon as possible. Plan the day, as much as possible, from waking and breakfast, through to homework, down-time and bedtime.
  • Stay involved in your child’s homework; they need the support and the structure
  • Don’t overload your child – keep ‘after-school’ activities to a sensible number
  • Show interest in your child’s school day, their friends, their activities and their worries.
  • Focus on the effort they put in more than the outcome they achieve
  • Demonstrate the value you place in education by being positive about school, teachers and the opportunities that education can bring.
Coleman also suggests that having regular family meetings throughout the school year can be a great forum for children and parents to talk about important family issues; decisions that need to be taken, family rules, responsibilities and values. School, expectations about school, problems with school and worries about school can always be on the agenda. This can help parents to be clear about the value of school and its role in the family. It can also allow parents to publicly bring the efforts and achievements of children to the fore.

Latest

Trending