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.

Parents make a difference in school success. Here are some ways to be involved; add some of your own.

1. Check in with his homework every night. Is it done? Is it done correctly?

2. Read with your child several times a week. Read to her (no matter how old) or listen while she reads to you.

3. Play games with your child a few times a week.

4. Set rules about the amount of screen time allowed.

5. Serve nutritious food.

6. Plan for some physical activity time each day.

7. Meet his teacher and go to school for parent events.

8. Tell her often why learning is important.

9. Talk to him about his career interests and abilities and how that connects to what he learns 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.

10. Talk to your child’s teacher about her special interests and talents. Call for an appointment; put it on your calendar.When you are with the teacher, suggest that the teacher try to offer your child reading, math and/or science activities that connect with her interests and talents.If you think your child dislikes school or is bored at school, share that with the teacher.Let your child know how much fun you had telling the teacher all about her and her special interests and talents.

11. Think about how your child is doing at school.What are his grades or teacher reports like? Have they been about the same all year? Did your child improve or drop off during the year? Are there certain subjects or activities that he does better in? Why do you think that is? Is your child happy to go to school? If not, why do you think that is? If you can’t answer a lot of these questions, make a plan to find out the answers.