10 Ways for Parents to Help Teachers

1. Create a smooth takeoff each day. Give your child a hug before they venture out the door and you head to work. Look them in the eye and tell them how proud you are of them. Your child's self-confidence and security will help them do well both in school and in life.

2. Prepare for a happy landing at the end of the day. Create a predictable ritual such as 10-20 minutes listening to your child talk about their day before you check phone messages, read the mail, or begin dinner. That way you are fully present to listen and your child has a touchstone they can count on between school and home.

3. Fill your child's lunchbox with healthy snacks and lunches. Have dinner at a reasonable hour and a healthy breakfast. A well-balanced diet maximizes your child's learning potential.

4. Include calm, peaceful times in your child's afternoons and evenings. Maintain a schedule that allows them to go to school rested, and if they are sick, have system in place so they are able to stay at home.

5. Remember it's your child's homework, not yours. Create a specific homework space that's clutter-free and quiet. Encourage editing and double-checking work, but allow your kids to make mistakes, as it's the only way teachers can gauge if they understand the material. It's also how children learn responsibility for the quality of their work. Children need consequences at home for not doing their homework.

6. Fill your child's life with a love for learning by showing him your own curiosity, respecting his questions, and encouraging his efforts.

7. Fill your home with books to read, books to look at, and books that provide answers to life's many questions. Let your children see you read. The public or school library is an excellent resource.

8. Be a partner with your child's teacher. When you need to speak to a teacher in reference to a specific issue with your child, do it privately, not in front of your child. Make a point never to criticize your child's teacher in front of your child.

9. Set up a system where routine items are easily located - such as backpacks, shoes, and signed notices. Create a central calendar for upcoming events to avoid the unexpected.

10. Tuck a "love note" in your child's lunch bag to let them know how special they are. Knowing they are loved makes it easier for children to be kind to others.