Previous Tips of the Day

Tip of the Day January 30

If you’re in charge of a fundraising or charity event, involve your children. They will learn by watching you in action, but they will learn even more if they’re given a meaningful task to complete.

Tip of the Day January 29

Show your kids that they are valued at home by giving them increasing levels of responsibility. Then take it a step further by helping them get engaged in service in the community, whether in the neighborhood, school, or somewhere else.

Tip of the Day January 28

Work with counselors, teachers that know your child well, and your teen to create an academic schedule from ninth to twelfth grade that challenges her. After each semester, talk with your teen and make necessary adjustments to the schedule to make sure that it is still appropriate.

Tip of the Day January 27

If you have work you need to do for your job, bills to pay, or some other project, do it while your child is doing her homework. Model what it takes for school success by staying focused and not leaving until you’ve accomplished what you set out to do.

Tip of the Day January 26

Talk with your kids—ask about their friends, about what it’s like to ride the bus or walk through the lunchroom. Keep talking and asking questions, even when they don’t seem anxious to respond.

Tip of the Day January 25

If you find out your child is bullying or being bullied, don’t add stress by showing your anger, fear, or disappointment. First listen carefully and respectfully while your child explains her or his point of view. Then work together to make a plan to solve the problem.

Tip of the Day January 24

If you aren’t finding good ways to get involved in your kid’s school or activities, start talking to or emailing people about it: teachers, principals, program leaders, or other directors. Let them know what would work for you and why the current opportunities don’t work.

Tip of the Day January 23

Start taking advantage of as many opportunities to actually get into and spend time at the places your kids go. If the idea of going to school makes you uncomfortable, chaperone a field trip out of the building. 10 more clever ideas for school involvement that doesn’t require going to school >>

Tip of the Day January 22

Most schools and youth-serving programs go out of their way to reach parents through conferences, volunteer opportunities, and special events. If you’re too busy to attend, connect with your children’s teachers via e-mail or phone.

Tip of the Day January 21

It’s not too late to identify a caring adult who can help take some of the pressure off you during the teenage years. Do you know someone you can bring into a mentoring relationship with your teen who shares your teen’s passion? A colleague? Music instructor? Your child’s employer?