By James Singleton
We took you down to school today.
You're just beginning now;
Although this year you're five years old,
You seem so young somehow!
We didn't take you all the way,
For we'd been told before,
"Don't go into his room with him,
Just leave him at the door."
Up to this time we've always gone
Together everywhere,
And we have had a lot of fun
While traveling here and there;
But we well knew before it came,
We're parted more and more.
So many times we will stand outside
And leave you at the door.
You're growing up so very fast
It's hard to keep in step;
The fact of changing years is hard
For parents to accept.
You'll have to walk your path alone
No matter what's in store;
We'll bring you up to life's classroom,
Then leave you at the door.
While you were ours these tender years,
We treasured every day,
Full knowing that the time would come.
When you would go your way;
And though this love will still remain,
Within our heart's deep care,
Our eyes will sting to see you go
And leave us at the door!
Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep/rest. They need a good night sleep.
Give yourself enough time in the morning(or afternoon) to get ready for school and leave home relaxed and not rushed.
Kiss and hug your child each day.
Keep everything your child needs for school in a special place in your home. Organize things for school the night before.
After school, discuss your child's day with him/her.
Review concepts being learned at school.
Give your child plenty of opportunities to PLAY.
Read to your child every day.
Make sure your child has access to reading materials. Be a role model. Let him/her see you reading and writing often.
Make sure your child has television monitored by an adult.
Your child should have opportunities to draw, write, paint, listen to music.
Encourage you child to do things for himself, solve problems, and ask questions.
Talk to him/her often. Use descriptive words that encourage learning of new vocabulary and understanding of new words.
Give your child opportunities to work with puzzles, color, cut (scissors) string or lace, and does other activities to develop fine motor skills.
Source Unknown
Begin your child's day with a nourishing breakfast.
Congratulate your child for doing well.
Discuss homework with your child.
Encourage your child to "read".
Find a quiet place for your child to study.
Give your child responsibility.
Hug your child to build self worth.
Include your child in making simple family decisions.
Join a library with your child.
Keep your child on a schedule that includes exercise and sleep.
Limit TV viewing by selecting programs with your child.
Make the time you spend with your child special.
Notice and discuss changes in your child's behavior.
Offer to help your child organize school papers.
Provide your child with good role models.
Question the activities your child shares with friends.
Respect your child's right to have opinions different from you.
Share an interest or a hobby with your child.
Take time to listen to your child.
Urge your child to say "NO!" to unwanted touching.
Visit places of interest with your child.
Work with your child to set up rules of behavior.
Xerox and save records or articles that benefit your child.
Yield results by encouraging your child to do better.
Zoom through these ABCs again and again!
By Erma Bombeck
You spend a lifetime trying to get them off the ground.
You run with them until you are both breathless.
They crash. They hit the rooftop.
You patch and comfort, adjust and teach.
You watch them lifted by the wind and assure them that someday, they will fly.
Finally, they are airborne;
They need more string and you keep letting it out;
But with each twist of the ball of twine,
There is a sadness that goes with joy.
The kite becomes more distant and you know it won't be long before that beautiful creature will snap the lifeline that binds you two together and will soar, free and alone.
Only then do you know that you did your job.
Family
Kinderstart
Parent Soup
The National Network for Child Care
Parenting Magazine
Pocket Parent
Discovery School for Parents
Barnes & Noble
Smarter Kids
Live and Learn
Sites for Parents
Golden Books
Family Education
Helping Your Preschooler
Ready For School Checklist
Helping Your Child Series
Self-Esteem and Pre-Schoolers
Getting Your Child Ready to Read
Growing Together: Preschooler Development
Internet Tips for Parents
How Behavior Changes in Young Pre-Schoolers Ages 2.5 - 4 Years Old
Creative Curriculum Helps Children Grow
Good Times With Preschoolers
How Behavior Changes in Older Preschoolers
The above sites are listed as parenting sites. I do not necessarily agree/disagree with content and cannot be responsible for the site content. Parents should always peruse websites carefully, (especially for children) as they continously change.
