While teaching in a prestigious secondary and tertiary institution
where children with buoyant parents attend (ofcourse the school fees is
over the roof top in commiseration to the quality of education rendered
there), I noticed a pattern and an attitude from both the parents and
their children that triggered this write up!what was is I noticed about
them?The majority of the kids were averagely intelligent academically
but smarter in vain knowledge typical of their age or generation such as
the latest movie series,celebrity gossip,trending video games,fashion,
etc and most importantly they ranked low on issues of morals and virtues
like courtesy! I observed from the body language of most of the
parents that they were always eager to drop their kids off at the
boarding house and return to their most seeming "too busy" schedules to
meet with the demands of their exorbitant lifestyle!ha did I mention
that some of these parents were snubs and looked down on the teachers as
paupers of which their children exhibit same.The pattern of attitude I
observed from some of the students were their inability to focus on
their academics reflecting in their low grades and this I believe stems
from the lack of interest by their parents about that aspect of their
life!They leave it all for the teacher,hey hey,teacher the nanny, the
moral and academic educator,just one person is expected to do that for
over 50 kids but how can this be?
That attitude from most parents of "what am I paying school fees for,let
the teacher handle everything" or "Where is the time to go through
these children's school work, let the help do that on my behalf" the
help you say?which moral right does the help has to be a role model for
kids that arent hers or his?please, what level of education does this
help have that you grant him or her the authority to approve your
child's homework?Do not be fooled,a man reaps what he sows,sow laziness
of "I am usually too tired when I get back from work, I do not need to
check the kids school work"hmn,worthymamas,show me kids who top the
academic roll call in their schools and I will show you the angels
behind their success!their Mummies!Yes I say their mothers because it is
only a worthymama that has the inclination to be patient with the
learning process of her child, although some worthypapas do spend time
teaching their kids,the mamas still carry my vote!(laughs)
It is not by casting and binding the spirit of dullness in your
child,the magic behind an academically intelligent child is NO MAGIC but
your extra effort in teaching your kid yourself! even if it is once a
week, do not leave it all up to the school teacher. They trust you most!
spend time teaching your children atleast twice a week especially
weekends or revise their daily school work and you will be totally proud
and fulfilled when you cheer them on their prize giving day!
I understand the situation could be dicey as children take the academic
input of their parents for granted compared to their school teachers,
consistency is the key!be firm in your decision such as punishments for
disobedience and time slot for studying if your schedule tally in like
manner. Dont be too tired for your child's progress as sacrificing our
pleasures for our children is inert, though you might be mentally
overwhelmed with handling academic schedules with your child,please for
whatever reason, do not push your child away be it physically or
verbally when he or she comes to you for your input in their school
work. you can diplomatically appeal to the child or if possible ask
their dad to handle it but dont turn them down often!
One of the major issues we as mothers are guilty of indulging is
criticizng more rather than encouraging!children get withdrawn if their
parent only rebuke and that decreases their faith in our ability to
guide them hence they prefer confiding in their teachers even in issues
other than their academics so lets watch it!encouragement with words and
deeds puts the child at ease and that will make them give their full
attention.Please ensure you give them the right answer to their
questions even though it might not be immediate as what you tell makes
an impression permanently!
Please observe these when studying with your kids at home:
choose a specific or a most suitable time for study such that times like bed time or dinner time is not compromised.
map out the number of hours to be used.
take breaks in between as children's attention are volatile.
ensure your child sits on a comfortable chair and uses the right height of table.
arrange all writing materials before you begin,your child can be
delegated to do so as this will reduce unnecessary movement and
distractions.
make sure the television is not switched on or any other form of unnecessary noise/distraction in the environment.
do not be quick to use force while studying such as threat.
use illustrations they are comfortable and familiar with for easy assimilation.
wheew,do you know of any other issues I have left out that you think
its worth sharing?do drop your comment in the comment box below and dont
forget to share this article with others!have a great week ahead as our
children resumes and settles for the start of this academic year.
