New School-Year Resolutions, by Dr. Brad Schwall

Back-to-school time means a new beginning.  At school, students are learning more than the "three Rs" - reading, writing, and arithmetic.  Students must learn how to make good choices, get along with others, handle feelings, and resolve conflicts. 

Parents must support the school by helping their children with the core subjects as well as the social and emotional lives of their children.  Use this list of "New School-Year Resolutions" to help your child learn the other "three R's" - respect, responsibility, and resilience.

Resolution #1:  I will be deeply in tune with what is happening in my child's life and be involved in my child's school.

Resolution #2:  I will listen to my child.

Resolution #3:  I will help my child talk about feelings and problem-solve.

Resolution #4:  I will not over-schedule my family so that we have ample time to do homework, have family time, and actually enjoy the activities in which we participate.

Resolution #5:  I will consistently emphasize that my child must never tease, bully, or put down other children.

Resolution #6:  I will talk to my child regularly about giving respect to teachers and other adults at school.

Resolution #7:  I will affirm my child for making good choices and emphasize the positive consequences of making good choices.

Resolution #8:  I will teach my child to have confidence.

Resolution #9:  When my family faces challenging situations, I will teach my child that difficult things can happen, but that we can make it through - together.

Resolution #10:  I will model respect, responsibility, and resilience.