Because August and September are school-starting months, in these months our posts will focus on things you can do to help your child get a good start at school this year.

You make a difference, so choose ways you want to be involved in your children’s learning. Here are some choices; add some of your own.

• Check in with their homework every night. Is it done? Is it done correctly? (If they are in high school, check in only as needed so you can encourage them to take responsibility for their own learning.)

• Read with them several times a week. Read to him (no matter how old) or listen while he reads to you.

• Play games with them a few times a week.

• Set rules about the amount of screen time allowed.

• Serve nutritious food.

• Plan for or support some physical activity time each day.

• Meet their teachers and go to school for parent events.

• Tell them often why learning is important.

• Talk to them about their career interests and abilities and how that connects to what they are learning in school. Don’t ask what he wants to be when he grows up; ask instead what are three things he wants to do when he grows up.

• Other – added by you.