Getting Kids Excited About Going Back to School

By Stacy DeBroff

It's that time of year again -- back to school! If you've got a house full of moans and groans over the prospect, try using some of my best tips for making the transition for sleepy summers smooth.

Two weeks before school starts

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Playtime at School

By Stacy DeBroff 

Obesity has emerged as a serious and growing childhood disease. The
statistics are both astonishing and alarming: we are raising a generation of
couch potatoes. Between the passive entertainment of electronics and the
junk and fast food readily accessible to our children, 1 out of every 4
children will struggle with childhood obesity.

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Evaluating A Teacher

By Stacy DeBroff 

Every instructor presents his or her knowledge in a different way. Ultimately, you want a person who “connects” with your child, someone who is friendly and understanding, yet stimulating and inspiring. It is essential that the teacher can form a bond of trust with your child. A great teacher should demand respect but also allow room for creative ideas and student responses.

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Dealing With A Problematic Situation

By Stacy DeBroff 

As parents, we encourage our kids and support them in their schoolwork and extracurricular activities. However, sometimes no matter how much kids enjoy the activity, they conflict with teachers, coaches, or instructors. Instead of letting your child get frustrated or quitting what he loves, use these strategies to help solve the problem. A problem coach or teacher should not be a reason for a child to become disaffected with school or his or her favorite activity.

• If your child is having a problem, encourage her, if she’s mature enough, to directly approach her teacher, rather than having you jump in as the first recourse to fix things.

• If your child dreads going to practices or games, has been coming home from lessons unhappy, or has talked about dropping out, consider the following strategies:

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Summer Amnesia

By Stacy DeBroff 

For most students, summer is a three-month-long vacation for the brain. Here are some great tips to keep your child's mind sharp throughout the summer months, without them even knowing it! 

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Celebrating the End of the School Year

By Stacy DeBroff

On the last day of school, take your child out for a special outing, even if it means taking off of work early. Think of something unusual, like going out for banana splits with every topping imaginable, or for "High Tea" at one of the hotels in a town near you.

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