ML Interest Tag: school-performance

Back-to-School Tips from Teachers That’ll Get the Year Started Right

by Amber Guetebier

Guess what? They can tell when your kid has had too much screen time

From excitement to anxiety to sighs of relief, going back to school this year looks a little different for everyone. But, according to a survey by Learning Resources, more than ever, one of the most important things is active parent involvement. In order to get an idea of what that really means, we talked to school teachers across the country (many of whom are parents themselves) and gathered up their best back-to-school tips for parents to succeed throughout the school year.  

Back-to-School Tips for Parents About Attitude

Almost every teacher we talked to said something along these lines:

“Your children take on your attitudes, BE POSITIVE!” —Michele Jenkins, Fernley Elementary School 1st-grade teacher, Nevada

“School is fun! Remind your kids to be creative and take risks.”—Anonymous 

“It’s okay to cry on that first day, it can be emotional for parents, but try and wait until your kiddo gets to the classroom before you burst into tears.”—Anonymous

Related: 16 Things Parents Don’t Need to Worry About (According to Teachers)

Back-to-School Tips on How to Dress for Success

A boy reaches for his properly labeled water bottle before he goes back to school
Name Bubbles

Consider these ideas when finishing up your back-to-school shopping.

“Label everything!”—Anonymous kindergarten teacher

“Dress them for the weather because we're going OUTSIDE!”—Teacher Tom

“Be aware, those cute shoes they get WILL get dirty while doing PE. Don’t tell them they can’t run in shoes you buy them for school use. They will run at school. Don’t punish them for dirty shoes; shoes get dirty when worn properly. Also, close-toed, non-dress shoes (athletic shoes) have the best support, so please make sure they wear a pair any time they have a day that includes recess or PE.” —Anonymous PE teacher

“If they come in tie shoes, they should know how to tie them themselves, or else come in velcro.”—Erin S.

“If you live in a climate with cold winters, get your kids used to taking on and off snow clothes, boots, etc., so they have a routine for doing so before winter and the end of the day. Practice on the weekend as cooler weather arrives and make a game of it by timing each child to see who can get cold-proofed fastest.”—Anonymous

Tips for the Early Morning Routine

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Not surprisingly, a lot of teachers spoke about the importance of eating a healthy breakfast, being on time for school, and getting a decent night’s sleep. Here are a few other helpful tips:

“Don’t delay drop off for little ones. Give a big hug and kiss and get out the door. Lingering only leads to upset kids.”—Early elementary teacher

“For an easier beginning to the year, start routines like going to bed and waking up on time before school starts again, not the day of.”—Jared H.

And Brad B agrees: “Get their bedtime routine back in order before school starts. Lack of sleep affects so many things beyond drowsiness or lack of attention. I personally think it undermines our confidence."

“Go to the bathroom at home before school!”—Anonymous

“Routine in the morning is important to start the day positively. Pick out clothes the night before (or even the whole week before and put in boxes for each day if you have a diva girl like mine!).”—Anonymous

Teacher Tips for School Supplies

a mom buying school supplies after getting back to school tips from a teacher
Shutterstock

School supplies don’t just mean what you need for your own child. Consider what a classroom needs and grab an extra item or two when you can afford it. Don’t forget tissue during the winter cold and flu season!

“Small tokens of appreciation throughout the year are a real pick-me-up! A pad of post-it notes, sharpies….teachers are easy to please, and it’s nice to let them know you notice their hard work. Also, read the weekly newsletter...please!” —Early elementary teacher, TX

“If there are specific things on the supply list (like particular brands), I promise the teacher isn’t trying to be difficult. They’ve probably learned from experience that that particular type works the best or lasts the longest.” —Nicole D., middle school math

“As teachers, we spend a great deal of our own money on supplies to make our classrooms a more creative learning environment for your child. So please, believe me when I say that every little bit helps our classroom; an extra ream of paper, a container of disinfecting wipes, paper towels, etc. It means so much, and I promise they will be put to good use.”—Holly R., autism teacher

“Make it a habit of asking a teacher if they need anything for the classroom or upcoming projects or holidays. Most teachers will be happy to give you a few inexpensive items they need that you could pick up at the grocery store.”—Anonymous

 

Related: 15 Cool Backpacks for Kids to Help Organize Their School Gear

Back-to-School Tips About Communication

teacher talking with student
iStock

When it comes to communicating with your teacher, whether it’s messaging during the day or at parent-teacher conferences, or even a requested meeting, consider these factors from a teacher’s point of view. One overarching theme? Teachers know and love your children, too!

“Parents, teacher, and students are all on the same team–parents need to be open to communication and should be open with teachers about student needs.”—Tori R., teacher

“Remember that teachers see your children in a totally different environment with a totally different set of kids at a totally different time than you do on a normal basis. It should be expected that we see behaviors, attitudes, and reactions that are different than what we have come to know. Be open to learning about your child in a unique setting to understand them better.”—Anonymous

“Please be on time for meetings. Our time is very limited.” —Janel M., middle school teacher

“Please don’t expect an email response within the hour. We are teaching 90 percent of the day and often have meetings to attend during our conference period and/or after school.” —Kristi W., elementary teacher

“If there is a conflict at school, notify the teacher. Listen to what your child has to say and encourage him/her to tell an adult at school. Do not bash the other student in front of your child. So many times, this is just a misunderstanding that has been blown out of proportion. Little ones learn how to problem solve with their peers and hearing their parents becoming angry and calling names shows them that that is the right way, which we know it is not. Listen to the details and then call the teacher!” —Anonymous

“Meet the Teacher night (before school starts) is NOT the appropriate time to verbally tell the teacher your child’s specific needs. ... put it in writing (an email is great). So much is going on that the teacher may not remember what you told her or even who your child is yet. You might introduce yourself and let them know to look for an email from you.” —Kristi W., elementary teacher

“Teachers spend a LOT of time on communication mediums and may only have 30 minutes of prep time during the day…so read/reread ALL the emails, updates and directions before you email/call the teacher (resourcefulness and responsibility — this is what we’re trying to teach your kids, too.).” —Katie, teacher and mom

“We are here to help your child. We want the best for them just as you do. Please give us the benefit of the doubt and the respect we deserve. We are not out to get your child. We aren’t telling you things because we are mean. We are telling you the truth about your child in the classroom. And no, they may not act like that at home, but they may act differently in a classroom setting. Believe us. Help us.” —Anonymous PreK teacher

“Be sure to check in on your child’s well-being socially, emotionally, and academically and ask for help if needed!” —Tiffiny Peterson, American Heritage Charter School 2nd-grade teacher, Idaho

Related: 25 Easy First-Day-of-School Picture Ideas

Tips for Parents About Homework

A father helps his son with homework
iStock

Every parent wants their kids to do well in school, and pretty much every child will groan about homework at some point. Here are some ideas for helping kids stay on track and keep up the good work.

“Set aside time daily during the first month of school to help your child unpack/pack their backpack, go over assignments, organize supplies and binders, and chat about school. This helps you both ease in and allows your student to share concerns with you organically and as they arise.” —Anonymous 7th & 8th-grade teacher

“Sleep. They are better students with a solid night of sleep as opposed to those who stayed up all night studying.” —Kathleen, teacher

“The grade is never as important as the effort behind it.”—Katy D., teacher, and mom

“Teach your students to advocate for themselves... to ask for help and to pursue it until they receive it and understand the concept with which they are struggling. A helicopter parent can never be as effective as a student who is determined to learn and knows how to make it happen, regardless of their level of intelligence.” —Jeremy H., veteran elementary and middle school teacher

“Read, read, read to your child! Be sure to talk about the book. Ask questions about the characters and the problems they face, your child’s favorite part, etc. If your child is bilingual or learning English, reading to your child in your native language will not interfere with learning English in school, but will actually help develop their background knowledge and vocabulary acquisition in both languages!” —Anonymous

“Please limit screen time and take your kids either outside to play or engage with them in a board game, puzzle, helping with homework, having them help with dinner/dishes/ANYTHING! So many young kids I teach are turning into little zombies because they come home from school and just sit in front of video games. And remember, your child is NEVER too old to be read aloud to.” —Anonymous

“Even if you don’t agree with the common core or the amount of homework, you want your child to respect his/her teachers and the expectations.” —Anonymous

Advice About Volunteering

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You might not be able to make every function or volunteer a ton of classroom hours, but just being there for your kids makes a big difference. 

“For many working parents, daytime events at the school or volunteering isn’t always an option, we get that, but even just one event per school year makes a lasting memory and positive reinforcement for your child. We provide a calendar at the beginning of each school year so parents can plan ahead.” —Anonymous

“Read and play games with your kiddos! There is nothing a teacher can do that takes the place of family time!” —Tess Brist, Marion School 3rd-grade teacher, Montana

"You don’t have to be perfect. Just show up."—Anonymous

Gentle Reminders: Teachers Are Humans, Too

a teacher and students hugging, she's offering back to school tips
iStock

Don’t forget that teachers, while they are modern-day superheroes in many ways, are also human with families of their own!

“I spend seven hours teaching 125 students each day for 9 months, each year. Please don’t judge me if we meet at the grocery store and I totally space on your and your child’s names.”—Betty R., 7th-grade science teacher

“Remember that the teacher can have 30 other children—be patient and start a positive relationship from the start.”—Tori R.

“Many teachers are parents as well. Please don’t think I am ignoring your 6 p.m. email because I don’t respond within an hour. I am spending time with my own child.” —Anonymous

Related: 4 Things Teachers Don’t Want to Hear About Your Kid (& 3 They Do)

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Distance Learning Has Its Perks…but at the Cost of My Independence

by Annette Benedetti

Our series, Family Tales, is an honest peek into the daily lives of families across the country who are on this crazy ride we call parenthood! From divulging childcare costs to breaking down family finances to managing a virtual school year with multiple kids, we tap into the Red Tricycle army of parents to find out how they’re making it work. This series is a judgment-free zone.

Interested in telling your story? Start by filling out our questionnaire here. All stories are anonymous.

Distance Learning Has Made My Teenagers Happier & I Have No Regrets 

 

Name and occupation: Annette Benedetti, Portland editor at Red Tricycle

My parenting partner’s occupation: Business Owner

City: Portland

Age of kid(s): 10-year-old son, 15-year-old non-binary child, 18-year-old daughter

School set-up in 2020: My son is in 5th grade at a nearby elementary school. My 15-year-old attends an arts-focused charter middle school and my 18-year-old just started college here in Portland and lives at home. All of my children are attending school online and distance learning as Portland schools are all remote at this time.

My job is a work-from-home position. In the past, I would drop the kids off at school and work in the silence of my home office until pickup time. The new school-from-home setup has changed the rhythms of my home and work life significantly. In many ways I have come to love it. The morning arguments and begging my son to get dressed and in the car on time are gone (as is the early wakeup). And, having to deal with the school traffic, drop-off lines, and the inevitable interactions with other parents long before I’m ready to be social are thankfully gone! However, so is my alone time. And my household upkeep expectations have severely changed. With five people at home around the clock, I spend a large amount of my time cleaning and tending to my kids as opposed to working or pursuing my personal interests and hobbies. Most days wearing an apron from dawn to dusk would make complete sense (and probably cut down on the non-stop laundry). And while I don’t have to wash my face and put on real “day clothes” to go pick my kids up from school anymore, my new stay-at-home life has me feeling just a smidge like a 50’s housewife.

Mornings

My parenting partner is an early riser. Seriously. He gets up extra early for fun. So, I sleep in while he wakes the kids and makes sure they have breakfast before he leaves for work. This is really one of the highlights of the new online school format for me. I’m a night owl, and early mornings bring out the worst in me.

By the time I wake up, my son is at his desk in his room attending class. I bought school organizers that help him keep his space nice and tidy…for a while at least. Both of my other children work from their rooms as well. The older two have their own laptops and are allowed  to have their room set up however they like. For the most part, they tend to work from their beds or join each other in one or the other’s room to work together. I think it helps fend off loneliness. My primary job in the morning is to make sure none of my children have crawled back in bed to “skip school.”

A lesson I learned real fast was that none of them appreciate me looking over their shoulders. They are all tech savvy and capable of managing their class schedule and work on their own. It took me a bit to realize that I wouldn’t be able to interrupt their school day if they were in an actual classroom, so I needed to extend the same courtesy…for the most part.

Once I’ve made sure all of my kids are on task, I clean up the horrendous breakfast mess that has inevitably been left for me, feed the dogs and then walk them. This takes up a surprisingly large portion of my morning. At this point, I have just enough time to check e-mails and respond to any work concerns before the crew gets hungry again.

Lunch Break

My son has lunch at the same time every day: 11:30 a.m. I usually take this opportunity to offer to make him something he likes. Half the time he takes me up on his offer, half of the time he says he wants to make his own lunch. Who am I to argue with that? Around the same time, my teens meander into the kitchen to scrounge for their own midday bites. If they don’t find something they like, they pile into the car to venture out for for food. I imagine this helps them fend of cabin fever.

Lunch time is a good time to check in with my kids and gently prod about assignments and where they are in their studies. I’ve learned quickly not to ask too many questions…or I’ll likely get my head bit off for being naggy. I typically eat a light lunch with whomever is in the kitchen and then workout. My weekly workouts are non-negotiable. If there’s one thing that COVID-19 and quarantine has taught me, it’s that my mental and physical health are a top priority. If I’m going to keep my head on straight and my temper in check with three tween/teens in my home, I have to workout my anxiety and stay healthy.

I usually get a quick run in and then put on a workout video. My workout lasts anywhere from 25 minutes to an hour. By the time I’m done, my kids are back in class.

School Work/Work Work

Once the kids are back in their rooms, I’m reminded exactly why I am so grateful to not be a 1950’s housewife. With the kitchen in disarray from the storm of children who blew through it, I set back to work cleaning while my kids attend class. Once the kitchen is clean, I sit down to pound out as much work as possible before the kids break free from their studies. Sometimes a child will wander in to ask questions or beg for attention. That’s when I’m most thankful for the workout I chose not to sluff off as I pretend to be happy to give them attention instead of staying focused on my work task.

I have to admit, while I try to give my kids space and time to attend class on their own, I do sneak around a bit and listen in to make sure they doing what they are supposed to. And when I hear my son’s teacher talking to him, I pop in the room and pretend I’m doing something meaningful so she knows I am paying attention.

At the end of the school day, which usually comes at 1:30-ish p.m., my kids get to do what they please, though I often assign them a chore or two. As you can imagine, they hit the kitchen for snacks and then head out to “hang out.”

I clean up after them.

End of Day & Bed Time

My primary “work day” happens in the afternoon, and sometimes well into the night (like now). It’s when the house is the quietest and I can focus. My son has to be in his bed by 9 p.m., which sometimes stretches. It’s the only time of day when we do have little squabbles. Living through a pandemic has changed my feelings about strict bedtimes and meal times. We play it fairly loose these days. I think the kids have enough stress in their lives. I just can’t see the point in making an already stressful situation worse.

My older kids are on their own at bedtime. I’m not going to lie, oftentimes as I’m heading to bed at 11:30 p.m. (if I’m lucky), I hear them giggling downstairs. I ignore it. The laughter in the house is needed.

There are things I love about this new school schedule. I appreciate the loose rules and the reprioritization of what is important in my household. For example, my older children value their relationship with one another more than ever before. And homework is no longer a thing for my son (his teacher doesn’t assign it) allowing for more screen-free play and family time after school. Additionally, mental health and stress reduction is now prioritized over school performance.

I also like seeing how my son’s day is going and knowing he won’t get in trouble with a teacher for wiggling in his seat, moving too much or talking out of turn: a regular occurrence over the past couple of years. Now he can wiggle and spin in his chair as much as he wants as long as he’s listening and getting he work done (I just shut the door and it doesn’t bother me a bit!). And, I love how much closer this has brought my older kids who seem to love sharing the school day with one another.

Probably the biggest benefit of distance learning is that my children no longer come home with stories of being bullied. My oldest no longer has to deal with racism in class, my middle doesn’t complain about kids teasing her about her hair, and my youngest can’t get in those foursquare squabbles.They all now have a carefully curated group of friends who are all supportive and kind. And I no longer have to constantly be prepared for emails from PPS informing me there was a gun brought to school or the school was in a lockdown because of some threat nearby. Best of all? All of my children actually seem pretty excited about school, and that’s an entirely new experience.

In general, I could keep doing this forever…as long as they eventually learn how to put their dirty dishes in the dishwasher now and again.

—Annette Benedetti

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Remote Learning Help for Children with Special Needs

By Britannica For Parents

Photo: Maskot/Getty Images

The shift to distance learning has been difficult for all children and poses unique challenges for children with special needs and their families. The term children with special needs refer to students who have been identified as having one or more conditions that “adversely affects school performance,” as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This includes but is not limited to developmental disabilities (such as Autism Spectrum Disorder), intellectual or learning disabilities, sensory disabilities (such as those involving vision and hearing), and neurological disorders (such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD). 

What makes remote learning especially difficult for children with special needs is that the individualized tools, strategies, and routines that are integral to their success are either not available or look very different now. Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, for example, who thrive when they have a predictable routine, now have to adapt to a series of changes that are all happening at once. Children who have ADHD have to remain seated in front of a screen for a long period of time, without access to the specialized seating options they had available to them in their classroom. While the circumstances of remote learning affect children with special needs in profound and unique ways, there are tools and strategies that can help them succeed during this transitional time. 

Behavioral and Social-Emotional Supports

One of the biggest challenges children with special needs face in a remote setting is that their routines and procedures have been disrupted. Having a predictable daily routine allows them to transition from one activity to the next, complete familiar tasks with a high degree of independence, and employ strategies when they are experiencing frustration. Now, students are stationary for most of the day; the mode of instruction has changed; and supports like proximity (i.e., the teacher standing or sitting next to the student), movement breaks, and face-to-face conversations with their teacher may not be possible.

There are, however, a number of strategies and tools that can help create structure and assist students with self-monitoring and self-regulation.

1. Social Story: A story that uses a narrative structure to teach children how to respond to situations that may be unfamiliar or may cause frustration. Social stories are often used to help children cope with change and can be personalized to include a child’s interests or make them the main character. Discussing the story and rehearsing how they would respond in that situation helps children respond more positively when the situation occurs. For example, wearing a face mask may require a social story, which Britannica for Parents discusses with Tara Tuchel.

2. Visual Schedule: Sometimes referred to as a “picture schedule,” this tool uses picture cards to show each activity (in order) that a child will complete during a school day. When a child completes an activity, they move that picture card into the “Done” envelope. Children can also identify when they might need to take breaks during the day and add “break cards” to their schedule.

3. Strategic Use of Space: Remote learning requires children to remain seated in the same location for far longer than they are used to. It can be helpful to create separate spaces for different activities. For example, make one corner of the room the language arts center and another corner the math center. Have the specific materials for each content area at that particular center. If moving around isn’t possible, try making a bin for each subject and when it is time for that content area, your child can retrieve that bin. The goal is to make the space feel more like a classroom and allow them to move around in a way that feels more like how they move in school.

Academic Supports

Another difficulty children face with remote learning is that the wide variety of tools and materials may not be available to them at home. The impact of this is even greater for children with special needs, as multisensory learning activities are a key component of specialized instruction. Luckily, there are a number of fun, engaging activities you can do at home that build foundational skills. Here are two examples of recommended resources for hands-on activities that build literacy, math, and problem-solving skills. They can be utilized in remote learning settings as well as in-person settings.

1. Magic Sand: Magic Sand is a combination of two different colored sands with two distinct textures that you pour onto a tray or plate. The sand can be used for practicing letter formation and for spelling. You can recreate the magic sand using aquarium sand or another grainy material you may have on hand.

2. Touch Math: This system uses tools with sensory “touch points” to help children improve their numeracy skills. By tapping the touch points as they count, students connect the numbers to real values and add and subtract with more accuracy. You can create your own fun activity at home by setting up a hopscotch path (but in a straight line) either outside with chalk or inside using tape. For every numeral from 1 to 10, have your child hop on that square that same number of times. Your child could also hop forward and backward to solve addition and subtraction problems. This is a fun and physical way to build number sense and to release some energy.

Resilient Children, Caring Parents

Your greatest resource is your child. Children with special needs are adaptive and resilient. When they are given the right tools, their growth is astounding. No one plays a bigger role in shaping their success than their parents and families; and it is their partnership with educators that allows children to meet their fullest potential.

Remote Learning Help for Children with Special Needs

The Iris Center and the Council for Exceptional Children are two organizations that provide fantastic resources for families. As you discover helpful tools and strategies remember to share them with others, as you too are a resource. By thinking creatively and sharing ideas, we can take this challenging arrangement and make the best possible version of it.

About the Author
Kimberly Chapman was a special education teacher for Chicago Public Schools and worked with children and families on the West Side and South Side of Chicago. A graduate of University of Wisconsin Madison (Bachelor of Science in Education) and Northwestern University (Master of Arts in Learning Sciences), her professional and academic career has been dedicated to developing multimodal programs and tools for culturally/linguistically diverse students, and students with diverse learning needs.

Sources

Britannica for Parents, “Why Do We Have to Wear Face Masks?” 2020
Chapman, Kimberly, “Coping with Difficult Emotions,” [n.d.]
Do2Learn—A Resource for Individuals with Special Needs
Illinois State Board of Education, “Coping with COVID-19: Remote Learning for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” 2020
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, “Sec. 300.8 Child with a Disability,” 2018

Learn More

Chapman, Kimberly, “Remote Learning Resources,” [n.d.]
Council for Exceptional Children, “Resources for Teaching Remotely,” 2020
The Iris Center, “Parents: Supporting Learning During the Covid-19 Pandemic,” 2020

 

This post originally appeared on parents.britannica.com.
Britannica For Parents
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

We’re living in a time when it’s nearly impossible to distinguish fact from fiction. Parents need information they trust to help them make good decisions about raising their curious learners. Britannica for Parents provides safe and credible resources to empower all kids and parents and inspire curiosity for generations to come.

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How Can Self-Talk Boost Math Scores? Science Has an Answer

by Erica Loop

Recent research from the University of Amsterdam may have found a way to help your child succeed at school—or at least boost their math performance.

It’s no big secret that kiddos talk to themselves. This study, published in the journal Child Development, looked at the impact self-talk had on school performance. Specifically, the researchers explored how effort-related self-talk affected math achievement.

photo: Pragyan Bezbaruah via Pexels

The researchers divided 212 fourth through sixth graders into three groups. After taking half of a standardized math test, one group engaged in effort-based self-talk, one used ability-based self-talk and the third didn’t use self-talk. The students then went on to finish the test. In comparison to the ability-based self-talk and no self-talk groups, the effort-based self-talk group performed better.

Eddie Brummelman, an assistant professor of child development at the University of Amsterdam and co-author of the study told CNN, “Our study found that the math performance of children with low self-confidence benefits when they tell themselves that they will make an effort.” Brummelman added, “We did not find the same result among children with low self-confidence who spoke to themselves about ability. Self-talk about effort is the key.”

—Erica Loop

 

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How to Protect Your Kids from Gaming and Gambling Addiction

By Sarah Daren

Photo: Jessica Lewis via Pexels

Parents must remain ever-vigilant so that seemly innocuous video games don’t serve as a gateway to destructive adult behavior for their children.

According to watchdogs, a growing number of children face the risk of gambling addiction. The online gaming industry—fueled by in-app purchases— shapes children’s spending habits which will likely last well into adulthood.

However, parents can protect their children from the increasing risk of gambling addiction by keeping a watchful eye on their kids’ behavior. By remaining watchful for addictive behavior, parents can protect their kids from becoming lost in the world of online gambling.

Get in Front of the Problem

Studies show that 70% of teens check their cell phones as soon as they wake up. So, what’s a parent to do in a world where kids do everything on their phone? The answer is to guide kids in developing habits that reduce their chances of developing addictive behavior.

Today, it’s challenging to separate kids from their mobile devices. Many parents introduce children to smartphones at an early age because it’s an easy way to track their kids’ location. However, it’s not as easy to control what kids do with those devices.

Parents can set an example for their kids by limiting their own screen time. For example, you can specify non-digital periods, where no family members use digital devices and participate in group activities. Shari Harding, an expert in mental and psychiatric health and professor within the online master of nursing program at Regis College says, “The key here is to look at the big picture: how much time is being spent on video games and is it excessive? Is it to the exclusion of other important things, like homework, socialization, exercise, family time together?

Are there other signs that your child might have mental health symptoms they are struggling to cope with such as anxiety, social anxiety, or depression or stressors such as poor school performance for which they are seeking an escape through gaming,” says Harding.

Children learn by watching their parents. Even when they don’t realize it, kids are developing their smartphone habits by observing how their parents use their devices.

Accordingly, parents shouldn’t check their phones while driving, exhibit poor digital citizenship—such as cyberbullying—or let their devices distract them from human interaction.

Parents should also evaluate how much time they spend on their devices. They should also consider whether what they do with their devices is beneficial for themselves and their family.

The Thin Line Between Gaming and Gambling

Gambling is everywhere. It’s in tourist destinations and, in some states, even local convenience stores—and it’s been growing increasingly popular online.

Gambling addiction is a severe problem. Financial ruin due to gambling addiction can lead some people to commit suicide.

In the United Kingdom, the number of 11 to 16-year-olds that physicians diagnose as problem gamblers have quadrupled over the last two years to 55,000 youths. Also, researchers estimate that 70,000 11 to 16-year-olds are high-risk candidates for developing a gambling addiction.

The UK Gambling Commission estimates that nearly half a million 11 to 16-year-olds spend approximately $20 gambling every week. Also, gambling enterprises in the United Kingdom have exposed 60% of 11 to 16-year-olds to advertisements through social media as well as 66% through television.

Still, parents are responsible for protecting their kids from gambling addiction. Accordingly, they must talk to their children about the risk of gambling. It’s better to talk about it now—before it becomes a problem.

What Are the Risks?

Gambling addiction can lead to a range of adverse outcomes. For instance, studies show that 90% of gambling addicts use cash advances to fuel their habit.

For some, gambling is a safe, enjoyable activity. For others, however, the insatiable need to wager irresponsible amounts of money in hopes of winning more leads to severe adverse outcomes. Also, people who suffer from gambling addiction typically feel anxious when they’re not betting.

In the United States, 2 million adults meet the criteria for gambling addiction, according to the National Council on Problem Gaming. Gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex or socioeconomic status. Not all gambling addicts exhibit external signs of a problem, and 71% of people with a gambling problem do not seek help, according to the Journal of Gambling Studies.

Researchers link compulsive gambling with conditions such as bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attention deficit disorder, according to the Mayo Clinic. Gambling doesn’t cause these conditions, but it can make them worse.

“In any addictive-type behaviors, there can be a ‘transfer’ of the addiction from one thing to another, such as from video games to overeating to alcohol or vice versa,” says Harding.

With each generation, people become more entrenched in technology. In a world where wagering is the only difference between video games and gambling, parents must help children find a balance between the digital realm and the real world.

Of course, gambling operations should assume the responsibly of mitigating gambling addiction. Academics should also make an effort to discuss the risk of gambling with students. Ultimately, however, the responsibility is on parents to protect their kids from the dangers of the world.

Gambling is a serious but often hidden, social ill. For parents who want the best for their children, now is the time to speak up to prevent kids from making bad decisions that can follow them for a lifetime.

Sarah Daren has been a consultant for startups in industries including health and wellness, wearable technology, and education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life, including her position as a yoga instructor and raising her children. Sarah enjoys watching baseball and reading on the beach. 

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6 Tips to Help Stop Your Teen from Procrastinating

By Tyler Jacobson

 

There are times where parenting my teens felt like all I did was keep prodding them forward. Whether it’s encouraging my daughter to get a job or pushing my son to pick up his room, I felt like my teens would never outgrow their tendency to procrastinate.

But over time—and with a good deal of trial and error—I’ve been able to help my children move away from much of their procrastinating behavior and onto being self-starters.

  1. Consider What Is Triggering Procrastination: It would have been easy for me to brush my children’s procrastination off as them just being lazy. For one thing, it takes all responsibility off of me to do anything but call judgment down on them, and it provides a clear solution—make my teens stop being lazy. But in reality, children often have complex reasons why they procrastinate. Some children are held paralyzed by fear of failure, much like my oldest boy when it came time to tackle his major research paper for his English class. The project counted for 30% of his overall grade and English had never been his strongest subject. Luckily, his teacher held quick conferences with each student and notified me when it turned out that my son hadn’t gotten beyond choosing his research topic. By remaining calm and talking to my son about why he hadn’t started, I was able to understand that his procrastination had nothing to do with laziness and everything with fear of failing and potentially needing to go to summer school.
  2. Demonstrate How To Make Tasks Manageable: Procrastination can also be triggered by children feeling overwhelmed by the task at hand. In our home, Saturday mornings are usually spent tidying the house up after a long week. But while my other children managed to corral their rooms into order, my youngest daughter was crying in the middle of her messy room. She had had a full week of school performance and a small party with her friends to celebrate the end of their play. The result was that her room was a bigger mess than she knew how to deal with on her own. So, after an hour, there were only a few toys pushed around until she became discouraged. Instead of leaving her there and just telling her to hurry up and clean, I sat with her on the floor and helped her break down the task into manageable portions, from picking up all the clothes first, next the toys, and then making the bed. By helping my children see tasks as many manageable parts, rather than an insurmountable mountain, they are less likely to put off a task that seems too hard.
  3. Provide Time Management Techniques: Time management is a tough skill for many adults to master. But once a teen has the techniques they need to properly manage what needs to be done, they are far less likely to procrastinate. Some of the things I taught my son as he approached his English paper were:

  • Create an outline of dates when things are due like your outline, research bibliography, first draft, peer review, and final draft.

  • Once you see how many days are between each step, set aside time each day to get a bit more of the work done.

  • Talk to either mom or dad if you aren’t sure you have enough time laid out.

  • Do the English work first, then go on to other homework assignments.

Providing my oldest son with these management techniques especially helped, as he suffers from several behavioral disorders and greater structure helps teens struggling with these disorders.

  1. Help Your Teen Problem-Solve: A lack of problem-solving skills can be another thing that causes teens to procrastinate. Since I don’t want my children to become stalled by every challenge, I’ve worked to help them to develop strong problem-solving skills. My oldest son knew the basics of problem-solving when he had become stalled by his major paper, but he had allowed his fear to make him believe that the simple techniques wouldn’t work. So, I made it a point to walk him through the basics of problem-solving again:

  • Pinpoint the issue that is holding you back.

  • Start brainstorming solutions. Even if they sound dumb at first, the process can help kick out a real solution.

  • Choose the best solution from your brainstorming session.

  • Carry out the solution. If it doesn’t quite work, choose the next best solution.

With problem-solving steps broken down into manageable chunks, it is far easier to think clearly and tackle an issue that was previously a major roadblock.

  1. Reinforce Teens With Positivity: Providing my teens with positive reinforcement can be difficult at times, especially when all I want to do is ask why they can’t just get off their behinds and take care of their responsibilities. But, taking this negative attitude with children can lead to resentment, added stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Instead, to help build up my children, I opt for positive reinforcement. I am a firm believer that children—and people in general—respond best to positivity and will make lasting changes with the right support. So, while a snide comment about laziness may get my oldest daughter off the couch and off to do the dishes, finding a positive frame like, “Thanks for staying on top of the dishes most of the week. Do you mind wrapping up the stuff currently in the sink?” is a better option.
  2. Model Self-Starting Behavior: Lastly, I had to model this kind of go-getter, problem-solving behavior for my children. As I am self-employed, I usually am a self-starter, but I’ve had to step up my game a bit more when it comes to things like picking up my office and managing my own tasks around the house. Since I know that my children are unlikely to listen to anything I say about procrastination if I’m a procrastinator myself, I have done my best to continually model what I expect from them.

Now, I’m not saying my children became perfect. But, with the structure in place to help them succeed, all they need now are gentle reminders instead of the lengthy lectures and reminders that used to be required to get them moving on what they need to do.

 

Tyler Jacobson is a happy husband, father of three, writer and outreach specialist with experience with organizations that help troubled teens and parents. His areas of focus include: parenting, social media, addiction, mental illness, and issues facing teenagers today.

 
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Is My Child Being Bullied? 12 Important Signs Every Parent Should Know

By Dr. Bradley Nelson

No matter the time of the school year, kids face pressure to do well in their studies along with the stress that comes with finding themselves and their place in social groups. These are the same stresses we parents faced growing up, but today there is a notable change.

The advent of mobile technology and social media has opened a world that we older generations never had to contend with when we were growing up. While it has created new ways for kids to stay in touch with their friends, it has also opened pathways for the cruelty of bullying.

Online bullying is an incessant problem. More than 43 percent of teens report being bullied online, research shows, with 70 percent of students saying they witness frequent bullying online.

Bullying includes threats, rumors, physical or verbal attacks and excluding somebody from a group on purpose. Cyberbullying includes any kind of bullying that takes place over digital devices through texts, social media, online forums—anyplace where people share content. It includes sending, posting or sharing negative, harmful, false or mean content about someone, including personal or private information that causes embarrassment or humiliation.

Why is online bullying so prevalent? One reason is that online bullies are less likely to see the results of their bullying. One study showed only 16 percent felt guilty after bullying online while 40 percent felt nothing at all. When asked why they do it, some kids say it made them feel funny, popular or powerful.

More than 80 percent of young people say bullying online is easier to get away with than bullying in person. Cyberbullies are more likely to have poor relationships with their parents, so they may not have much supervision over what they are doing online.

Kids with access to technology can be subjected to online bullying 24-7, making them feel there is no escape and leaving them feeling isolated and desperate. Cyberbullying has been linked to self-harm and suicide among young people. Kids subjected to bullying and other trauma are also more likely to carry emotional scars in the form of what I call trapped emotions. These are unresolved negative emotions that become “trapped” within the physical body, causing physical and emotional stress for years to come.

Unfortunately, many kids don’t ask for help because they are afraid of being seen as weak or a tattletale or fear backlash from the bully or rejection by friends. Teens are more than twice as likely to tell their peers about bullying than they are to tell parents or other adults, one study found.

Here are 12 warning signs parents can—and should—watch for in their kids.

  1. Emotional upset, anxiety and depression.
  2. Frequent headaches and stomach aches.
  3. Faking illness.
  4. Unexplainable injuries.
  5. Changes in eating habits.
  6. Poor sleep / frequent nightmares.
  7. A drop in school performance.
  8. Not wanting to go to school.
  9. Sudden loss of friends.
  10. Avoidance of social situations.
  11. Low self-esteem.
  12. Self-destructive behaviors including self-harm, running away or talking about suicide.

There are many things we can do to help children suffering from bullying. If you see your child struggling with any of these issues, talk with him or her about what’s going on. Talking with your children is the key to both preventing bullying and to healing the emotional trauma it can cause.

Here are some other steps you can take to help your child.

  • Help your child to know that he or she is valued and that it is safe to communicate with you.
  • Pay attention to what your child is doing online and be aware of warning signs specific to cyber bullying.
  • Encourage kids to speak with an adult they trust if they are being bullied or see other kids being bullied.
  • Talk with them about how to stand up to kids who bully and how to report bullying at their school.
  • Take action with the school and/or the bully’s parents to ensure the child’s safety.
  • Urge kids to help others who are being bullied by showing kindness or getting help.
  • Help children find and release trapped emotions. This is important both for victims and for the kids doing the bullying.

Parents of bullied kids often feel helpless, angry and frustrated. Try to keep your emotions under control so your child feels safe. And don’t neglect yourself—identifying and releasing your own trapped emotions will help you to be a better parent and fully support your child.

Dr. Bradley Nelson
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Veteran holistic physician and author of The Emotion Code, Dr. Bradley Nelson is an expert in the emerging fields of Bioenergetic Medicine and Energy Psychology. He has certified thousands of practitioners worldwide in helping people overcome unresolved anger, depression, anxiety, loneliness and other negative emotions and the physical symptoms associated them.

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This Awesome Homework Assignment Empowers Kids to Teach Their Parents

by Erica Loop

Teachers aren’t IT when it comes to how and what children learn. Family Playlists help kids teach their parents. And that’s helping kids to increase their school performance. Oh, and it’s also helping both parents and their kiddos to learn.

So, what is this program and how does it help students? Family Playlists is an interactive homework tool created by the educational nonprofit PowerMyLearning. Teachers using this program assign Family Playlists to their students as homework assignments. The educator can choose from either a ready-made standards-aligned Playlist (for students in grades 3 through 8) or create a new one.

The “family partner”, either a parent or other adult family member, receives a text with a link to open the Playlist on their phone. Magic! Kind of. Through the power of technology, parents can connect with what their children are learning and know when it’s time to start an assignment. Instead of quietly doing homework on their own, the child becomes the teacher. Yep, that’s right. The child teaches their adult about what they’re learning in school, using collaborative activities.

When the activity or project is done, the “family partner” sends feedback to the teacher. Along with strengthening the learning relationship between the parent and the child, the end result gives the teacher much-needed info on how they can better meet the child’s needs — academically and social-emotionally.

What do you think about using a program, such as Family Playlists, to increase parental engagement in student learning? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

—Erica Loop

 

RELATED STORIES:

The 10 Best Educational Apps for Kids

8 Games to Teach Your Kids a Thing or Two

Do This Now: Embrace the Power of Your Parenting

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Why Family Dinners Together Matters (& How to Make Them Less Stressful)

By Kathryn Trudeau

Family dinners are linked to improved diet and improved emotional health.

Study after study reveals what our grandparents knew: the importance of family dinners. In fact, many studies reference family dinner attendance as a key factor in how happy a family is. A study from the University of Florida illustrated just exactly how a family dinner affects a family:

  • Families that eat dinner together are more likely to have healthier diets: families who regularly ate dinner together consumed more servings of fruits and vegetables and dietary fiber than families that ate separately.
  • Children experience less psychological problems (i.e. less emotional distress)
  • Children in families that regularly eat dinner together had more positive peer relationships and were less likely to engage in risky behaviors or hold negative peer relationships
  • Increased communication between family members
  • Overall more emotional stability in the family
  • Better school performance and higher self-esteem

But… they’re not always so easy to pull off.

The research clearly shows just how beneficial family dinners are, but it’s not always easy to gather around the table. Between hectic schedules, extracurricular activities, and the end-of-the-day meltdowns, dinner is often one of the loudest, craziest, exhausting, and emotionally draining times of the day.

It seems that as soon as I declare that I am headed to the kitchen to make dinner, someone poops his diaper, someone else begins to whine that he’s hungry, there’s a small human clinging to my leg and begging to be held, and I just remembered that I didn’t thaw the chicken yet. It seems counterproductive to go through all the hassle only to end up grumpy and sweaty at the dinner table.

7 tips for making it to the family dinner table more often and with less stress. 

Use these tips and you’ll be sure to make it to the family table more often and with less stress.

1. Set it and forget it if you can. 

If you know that you’ll be getting home late, try a crock pot recipe. Set it up in the morning and you’ll have dinner ready the minute you get home.

2. Meal plan.

Not only does meal planning make your grocery shopping more efficient, but you’ll save money too because if you have a plan, you’re less likely to just throw stuff in the cart. When you know what you’re making, dinner is less stressful. No more last minute wondering what to throw together.

3. Give small tasks to your littlest children. 

Little ones can fetch milk from the fridge or beans from the pantry, stir a batter, open a new package of butter, or even set the table. All of these are easy for small children and helps them feel involved.

4. Give age-appropriate tasks to older children.

Once you’ve taught your child to properly use a knife, let them chop veggies. Not only will this help you get dinner on the table faster, but it gives you ample time to chat with your son or daughter about his/her day.

5. Choose recipes carefully.

A common dinner battle centers on the dish itself. If you know your children truly do not like Thai food, skip it. If you’re not short on time, whip up an alternative for kids who don’t like the spiciness. For instance, keep the sauce of a stir-fry and let each family member have the choice to ladle on the sauce or forgo it.

6. Everyone helps clear the table.

Assign everyone one task for cleanup and the after-dinner cleaning will go by much quicker. You’re more likely to eat together if the clean-up isn’t a time-consuming task for one parent every night.

7. Prepare for picky eaters.

Fighting a picky eater is just a recipe for disaster. According to a study in the scientific journal Appetite, researchers continue to point out that picky eating is normal. In fact, up to 39 percent of kids are labled as “picky eaters” at some point in their childhood, although most pickiness starts to decline by age 6. So what to do until then? Try never to yell or fight about food; check out these tips for handing picky eating with respect.

What is one way you make family dinners a priority? How do you get to the table without feeling stressed? Share your secrets in the comments.

Featured Photo Courtesy: skeeze/Pixabay

Kathryn is a self-proclaimed book nerd who has a passion for natural parenting and writing. As a homeschooling mother, she understands the dynamics of a busy family life. She is the founder of Cor Domum, a mission that guides families through life so that they can parent with joy. 

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