Because August and September are school-starting months, our posts in these months will focus on things that help students get a good start at school.

Balance your messages – things you say and do.

Kids need to be appreciated for who they are – just because they are special human beings. Kids also need to be appreciated for the many things they can do well. School puts the emphasis on those things your child does well. Make sure you are helping balance his messages by giving him lots of I-love-and-enjoy-you messages at home – regardless of what he can or cannot do. (See And Calm Fell Over the Household and First Days of School.)

Let school be your child’s experience.

Be careful about how many and what kinds of questions you ask. Ask the questions you need to know, but be specific – Did you have the right supplies? This is much better than a great big question like, “How was school today?”  (See First Days of School.)

Accept “Fine” or “OK” as an answer about school. If your child doesn’t give details about school, let it go. Just be sure he knows you are available to talk about anything anytime. (See First Days of School.)