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Sonja Brownlee, MD.
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Last Updated 1/2010

The information contained on this web site is not a substitute for direct examination and treatment by a physician. If any of this material is unclear or confusing, or if you have additional questions or concerns, please call the office at 778-6762. 

Disclaimer:Sonja Brownlee,M.D. cannot endorse all links presented on the website as they may link to unrelated third-party websites.

1. Routine and organization count: Children respond well to routines in the home and at school. Establish a schedule so your child knows when to do homework and chores. Have a designated place for materials to be returned to school such as a table, shelf or box near the door. Ideally, children should get books, money and homework organized the night before.
2. Good nutrition and sleep are important: Children need a nutritious breakfast of food such as whole grain cereals, peanut butter and wheat toast. They cannot work all morning on a breakfast of highly sugared cereal or other "empty" calories.  Ample sleep is important: It is necessary for growth, and for energy to study in school. Children 5-7 years old need at least 10 hours of sleep, and children from 8-14 years old need at least 8 hours.
3. Listening to your child is fundamental: Each day a child needs time to tell about problems in math, disagreements with a friend, or to share the thrill of a home run. With more parents in the workplace, less time is available for listening. A natural time for listening is in the kitchen while eating or doing dishes. As you listen, allow your child to work out problems and find solutions. This gives your child the opportunity to develop workable methods for problem solving at home and school.
4. Reading is essential: Reading well requires practice. Your child might not have sufficient time during the school day to practice oral reading, but you can listen at home. Design a reading chart to hang on a wall at home and note each book read with, for example, a star. Take your child to the library. Read yourself.
5. Homework is important: Children need a great deal of practice to learn the basic skills in school. Provide a quiet place away from the television where children can work. Don't do your child's work, but be interested and check to be sure the work is neat and done well.
6. Parents should control the television and videos: Surveys indicate that students today watch six hours of TV daily - almost equal to the time spent in school. According to current reports, heavy TV watching seems to be reflected in a drop in students' test scores. Students watching TV are not doing homework or reading or playing. Set firm limits on TV watching and help your child be selective.
7. Your attitude toward school is significant: Your attitude toward education is reflected in how your child will feel about school. If your attitude is positive, your child will see school as being important. You can show your child that school is important by going to parent conferences, Back-to-School Nights, and by attending PTA meetings.
8. Responsibility is necessary: Make sure your child attends school. "A" students attend school regularly. Students who miss school fall behind. You can help by holding your children responsible for their schooling. Homework needs to be finished, poor behavior slips need to get home as well as report cards. If parents have a question, they should call the school and talk with the teacher.
9. Know your child's teacher: Make an appointment for the first month of school to see the teacher or take time to drop by the classroom. Become an interested partner with the teacher in your child's education program.
10. Prepare for emotional bumps ahead: In order for students to function at their fullest potential, they need to arrive at school rested, relaxed and happy. Many children are coming to the classrooms hurting. If your child is under stress or having problems, be sure the teacher knows it. Ask for help. Call the principal and ask for a conference with the school counselor or get the name of an agency where help is available.