When your child leaves for school this year, send him off with a hug, a kiss, an “I love you” and a pep talk.  Kids with confidence, who know they’re loved, who know Mama/Daddy/family unit cares, have greater success in school.   That hug and those comments envelop the child, making him feeling guarded as he faces the world.

When she comes home, take the time to hear about her day.  These few minutes spent hearing about her day validates the importance of the school day.  !!! When you ask about the day, stop what you’re doing and dedicate the short time it takes to hear the details.  After all, if you stop everything to hear about the school day, your child will believe it must be important.  If you have a talker, lucky you!  Then you may have to make supper while Chatty Kelly or Chuck gives you every detail.