POPULAR TOPICS OF INTEREST

HOW TO HELP MY CHILD WITH HOMEWORK
Homework is the link between school and home that shows what children are studying. Research shows that when homework is turned in to the teacher, graded and discussed with students, it can imporve students' grades and understanding of their schoolwork. (Source: NEA - National Education Association)

Keep control of homework
Most kids struggle with homework sometimes. Many problems can be addressed with tried-and-true homework strategies, such as:

  • Use a homework routine: Your child should study in the same quiet place - at the same time - daily.
  • Monitor homework time: Stay nearby to supervise, answer questions and compliment work.

(Source: Nancy Paulu, "Helping Your Child With Homework.")

More tips on helping your child with homework

  1. Set daily regular time every day: Have your child do their homework in a quiet place.
  2. Ask about homework: You should ask your child about homework. Check your child's assignment book.
  3. Talk with your child's teachers on a regular basis. Beside Parent-Teacher's conference you can set an appointment with your child's teacher to discuss any concerns.
  4. Praise your child when homework is done. We all like praise!
  5. Please do not do your child's work. You are not helping your child by doing their homework.

 

HELPING KIDS COPE WITH DEPLOYMENT (Message from our PCNC - Jenny Mansfield)

"I know from my experience as a military wife and mother that there's no perfect way or magic formula to helping our children cope with the separation. I feel for you and would like instead to share with you some of the things my daughter and I do while my husband is away.

First, the rules are the same whether Daddy is home or not. Dinner time is the most difficult part of our day during our separation. So, when Daddy is not here we do these:

  • Dinner at the beach or park: I make dinner at home and we take it with us in a cooler. It's a great way to be outside and enjoying the beautiful Hawaiian sunset.
  • If it rains: We have a picnic in the living room. Messing up the living room is not a problem because my goal is to make sure that my daughter is having a good time, therefore she doesn't miss her father as much.
  • Dinner play date: We meet for dinner with another family. She gets to play with her friend and I get to socialize with the parents.

Other Ideas:

  • Give your child a disposable camera to take pictures of whatever happens during the day. Anything your child wants to share with the deployed parent when he/she comes back. Develop the pictures and let your child make a book to tell the story.
  • Garden with your child: It only requires a pot, some dirt and any seed the child chooses. My daughter planted pineapple, tomatoes, flowers to now she is growing watermelon, all in a pot! Teach your child to care for the plant on a daily basis too. This will keep him or her busy.
  • Turn off the TV: I love this! Beside boardgames and cards, my daughter and I really get to know each other.
  • HAVE FUN WITH YOUR CHILD!

Reminder to Mom and Dad: Don't forget to take time for yourself!" (The Kainalu Carrier - Nov. 2006)

CARING STARTS AT HOME
Many community service lessons such as those about responsibility and caring are learned at home. Help your child tune in to relatives. What are their feelings and needs? How can he help them? If a sibling has a hard day, for example, your child might do something to cheer him up. (Susan Solomon Yem, "Community Service for Kids.")

HELP YOUR CHILD LEARN FROM MISTAKES
It has been said that "there are no mistakes, save one: the failure to learn from a mistake." Children can learn a lot from mistakes, but they need help with this. You can:

  • Say positive things about mistakes so your child doesn't fear them. For example, "That's okay, Let's learn from this."
  • Own up to your mistakes. Don't blame others, cover up or make excuses for actions. Stay calm and show that you value honesty and responsibility.
  • Thank your child when he points out mistakes. Mention how you'll fix things. You might say, "You're right. I'm sorry I interrupted you. Next time I'll be patient."
  • Tell stories about little mistakes you made as a child. Emphasize that you survived them - and your child will too.
  • Focus on what your child does right, not on what he does wrong. When he makes mistakes, avoid angry remarks. Talk about solutions.
  • Remember that making mistakes (and learning from them) encourages your child to be brave and persistent. When minor problems occur, don't be surprised if he bounces right back! (Cathi Cohen, "Raise Your Child's Social IQ .")