KNOWING YOUR CHILD

8 Things the School Principal Won't Tell You about Your Child

2012-10-18T05:23:00.000-07:00

The school year is starting back up, and if you’re a parent, we’ve got a list that might help you out this year. “Reader’s Digest” talked to a bunch of different principals. Here are the eight things they wish every parent knew.

1) When You Say Your Child Would Never Lie to You, You’re Being Naïve. A lot of the time, straight-A students and kids who never get in trouble are the ones who DO lie when they make a mistake. Probably because they don’t want their parents to know they’re not perfect.

2) He Knows More About Your Private Life Than You Think. Kids talk a LOT, and one principal admitted that he ends up knowing WAY too much about some of the parents, including what their money issues are, and how often they fight.

3) If There’s a Problem, Talk to the Teacher First. Another principal said his biggest pet peeve is when parents go straight to HIM to complain, without talking to the teacher first.

4) He KNOWS Some of the Teachers Suck. But even if he’s planning to FIRE them, he probably can’t say anything about it for legal reasons.

5) Bullies Aren’t Usually Expelled. According to one principal, quote, “We suspend them again and again, but it’s very tough to expel a student. The truth is, they have a right to an education.”

6) Kids Are Pretty Easy to Deal With. It’s the PARENTS who are tough, because they’re constantly trying to solve their kids’ problems for them.

7) If You Want to Talk, Make an Appointment. Or at least go to their OFFICE. Principals hate it when parents try to have a “quick” conversation about their kid during a school play or a sporting event.

8) The Smartest Kids Aren’t Necessarily the Teacher’s “Favorites.” Most teachers value hard work more than they value someone’s IQ.

Behavioral Trait of your 3-5 years child

2012-09-24T04:18:00.000-07:00

· My daughter still insists on using her dummy all the time. Does it matter?

Your child using the dummy all the time can interfere with her speech development because it will make your daughter have fewer opportunities to speak. Leave the dummy at home so your child can’t have it. When you are successful in doing that, you can restrict it to bedtime.

· My child drags his teddy bear around with him all the time and throws a tantrum if he leaves it anywhere. Is this normal?

The use of comfort toys at this stage of a child’s life is normal. Psychologists call it “transitional objects”. Your child will stop this with time when he finally finds out that there is no security in the object meanwhile don’t make fun of him or try to wrench away is toy.

My child cries and clings to me when I try to drop her at the nursery. What can I do?

Not all children become independent and self –reliant at the same age. Some children feel they need their parent presence all the time. So give your child the security she wants. Always say goodbye and always be back on time as you promised. Give your child all the attention when you can and try to address any triggers for her anxiety.

· My child bites when she is frustrated. How should I handle this behavior?

Biting at this stage is wrong and your child should know that. When she bites, remove her from her victim and say to her “No, biting hurts” but don’t make an unnecessary fuss about it. Kindly give attention to her victim. Whatever you do, don’t bite back. It is cruel, for this will teach your child that biting is ok.

· Why are my twins naughty?

Twins unwanted behaviour is common. Try to make time for each of them by talking to them individually, and read to them separately if the need arises. Let the have their own toys, clothes,and other things as this helps their development as individuals socially.

Twins can benefit from time spent away from each other. See if any friends can invite one of your twins at a time to play. You can also consider some individual sessions at playgroup.

Credit: your child, year by year

Physical Trait of 3-5 years old child

2012-09-19T09:30:00.001-07:00

· My three-year old child refuses to sit on the potty. What should I do?

In such situations, use a gentle approach so that it does not become an issue. Kindly leave the potty in the area and ask: if he or she wants to use it but never force a child on it.

Your child may feel to be a big boy and so prefer to use the toilet. If that happens, I suggest you make him use a toddler seat.

My child’s speech is unclear and people complain they can’t understand her. Does she have a problem?

The development rates for children differ from child to child. The child might have a speech or language problem when she speaks monotonously or too loud so she omits some words which make it difficult for people to understand her. Since much speech is learnt by imitation, the most common problem is hearing, so the first step is to run a hearing test that can be arranged through your health advisor.

· My child prefers to eat white bread and cereal. How can I get some variety into her diet?

It is understandable that some children might prefer one or two diets. Just serve your child with balance meals, with her current favourite fad food alongside. Don’t force your child to eat something she doesn’t want as that would put her off completely. However, you can suggest tactfully to try a small tasteful something. Try and eat meals with your child. It is a good idea because it will encourage her to enjoy a normal diet.

· My son is really chubby and already quite a bit bigger than his friends. What should I do?

Your child’s weight may still not be abnormal even if he is bigger than his friends since children develop at different rates. However see your health advisor to compare your son’s measurement against the body mass index chart for children. If the child is fatter, see a paediatric dietician. Don’t put your child on “diet” unless you are advised. However your child can drink semi-skimmed instead of a whole milk. Make sure that your child has a varied menu.