5 Easy Ways to Insure your Child's Success in School

Whether your child is home schooled or in public or private school I'm sure you are very concerned that they learn, grow and thrive. Here are five strategies to help you achieve that goal.

1. EXERCISE - Neuroscientists study the impact of exercise within brain cells. It is already well-established that exercise increases the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Scientists are also studying how exercise boosts insulin-like factor and vascular endothelial growth factor and how these combine to enhance our deepest thought processes. These studies are showing that exercise enhances brain function making it easier to concentrate and to remember. A little exercise before studying improves the student's ability to learn and retain information. A quick round of exercise before sending your child off to school may do wonders to help them listen and learn.

2.SPEND TIME WITH YOUR CHILD - Stress of all kinds interferes with a person's ability to focus and to learn. An active support system mitigates against stress. It is easier than most people realize to go days or longer without meaningful interaction with our loved ones unless we make it a top priority that must be done on a daily basis. In addition to all the time you will find to spend together, it is important to schedule regular time to do something together. That way your child knows they can count on having your undivided attention on a regular basis.

3. BE A LIFETIME LEARNER - When your children see you reading and listen to you discussing interesting things you are learning they will be more motivated to try to keep up with you. Our environment is important. If they see you sitting for hours in front of mind numbing television shows they will be tempted to do the same. Be a good role model.

4.PURPOSELY TEACH CHARACTER QUALITIES THAT CREATE GOOD STUDY HABITS - Character qualities are often caught rather than taught and we need to demonstrate them to our children. Nonetheless, there is value in specifically talking about the character qualities we want to build into our children's lives. Tell them that you value things like diligence, attentiveness, and perseverance and teach them ways to develop these qualities.

5. PRAISE YOUR CHILD FOR CHARACTER AND FOR HARD WORK - So many times people comment on outward appearance and neglect to show appreciation for good behavior, good attitudes, and a willingness to try. Don't let shallow observations characterize the feedback you give your children. Catch them doing things right and acknowledge it with your praise.

I hope you will have great success as you implement these suggestions. For more ideas and suggestions for how to implement these ideas please refer to the book Exercising Values or to the monthly Exercising Program that will design both your exercise program and your character development program. It's a complete done for you system to help you spend quality time with your children and to help them succeed at school and in life.