blogs

Dr. Dorothy Rich's Smarter Kids for Harder Times

Once again, the air is filled with headlines and recriminations about the quality of our schools and whether our students can compete in the world. Is all this bemoaning about American education justified? Studies are unclear about this, writes Dorothy Rich. What is clear is that when it comes to education, there has been an over-focus on the role of the school and insufficient focus on the role of the family. It's significant, as schools let out, to remember what every family can do at home to enable children to become stronger students and citizens. Taking nothing away from hardworking teachers and besieged schools, the truth remains this: The family, regardless of income and educational background, can use opportunities, now, this summer, to make a truly positive impact on children's attitudes and behaviors that determine school success. This is true for families even on the tightest time schedules. Click below to learn a few of the steps that can make the biggest difference for your children. In the light of what we are learning about how many children today are feeling lonely, it is more important than ever for families to use time off from school to help children feel loved and be able to do better when schools come back into session again.

Filed under Parents and tagged with tips blogs on October 17, 2008 #