Summer is coming to a close. School is about to open. This is the time of year when preparations begin so that the fall period of time brings in gentle breezes of success. Fall has a positive energy about it. It is a good time for parents to respond to it by re-focusing on developing a formula of success so that your kids may be responsible and successful in school and others tasks before them. This formula is tried and true, with testimonials available on request!

The prescriptive formula is:

1. Provide a loving home for your child where s/he can feel secure, seeing and experiencing a nurturing love between the two of you and from you to them. Give your child lots of hugs. If you parents are divorced, have a good functional relationship with your ex. Respectfully communicate so that you may develop this formula together. Kids are good at dividing parents if parents are not communicating well.
2. Set realistic expectations with positive and negative consequences depending on your child’s performance.
3. Be consistent. Be consistent. Be consistent. (This is one of the biggest failings of many parents).
4. Follow through. Do not make idle threats. Your credibility is important.
5. Focus on the effort made, not the outcome. You want your child to give it his or her best effort.
6. Make your feedback as constructive and non critical as possible, using positive reinforcement. Find the good and positive and mention it.
7. Share family time, as well as one on one time with your kids. Help him/her feel important.
8. Always be honest with your child.
9. Help your child find activities in which s/he excels.
10. Make a check list for your child of his/her responsibilities. Check them routinely.
11. Find out what’s going on in class. Check your child’s assignments. Meet with his or her teachers.
12. Help your child establish a daily schedule that includes a regular time for homework.
13. Know who your child’s friends are.
14. Know where your child spends money.
15. Have a designated bed time and stick to it.

Know that your interactions with your child should reflect kindness and firmness. Kindness shows respect for your child. Firmness shows respect for order and what needs to be done. Firmness without kindness is punitive. Kindness without firmness is permissive.

If you are blessed to have a child to parent, do your child well. Your child, for the most part, will be a reflection of the love and effort you have put into parenting. A higher calling does not exist!

Dr. Stathas can be reached at 706-473-1780. Email: Stathas@plantationcable.net. Web site: drstathas.googlepages.com. Blog: drstathas.com