TIPS TO MAKE SUMMER HOLIDAYS MORE FUN

Summer holidays can be fun if utilized properly.Parents must guide their children according to age to engage in activities that will help their development.Besides pursuing sports and playing games outdoors and indoors,it is necessary to provide quality family time with family activities.Bonds will be strengthened and sibling rivalry diminishes. Hobbies must include something of interest to them,such as stamp collection,coin collections,making and displaying scrap books.Some love to help mother in the kitchen or dad with his hobby,maybe fishing or in the garage.Do not discourage them or keep them away,just allow them to get their hands messy as well while teaching them the safety aspects of doing things right. Girls can learn to knit or sew or make simple jewelery that they can wear. Encouragement and guidance is of utmost importance for parents here. And loads of patience. Staying hooked to the computer or television needs careful monitoring,and must be turned off at meal times and encouraged to try something new. Whatever the age,never allow children to become loaners. Social interactions are necessary that positively impact growth. Learning a musical instrument or a new game,a dance,all help in making holidays less boring and a fun experience.

X AND XII GRADE-SHOULD PARENTS LET THEIR CHILDREN SELECT THEIR ELECTIVES

Parents are a concerned lot especially when their children get to the x th and the xii th grades. They are worried about the academic performance so as to be able to secure a merit seat in a good college or university. Choosing the right electives is extremely important at this stage since the future career is based on this. Electives should be chosen according to the marks obtained in the qualifying exam and the aptitude of the student. Over indulgent parents sometimes force their children to take up subjects that they studied as well while in college,and some others prefer to force them to study what they themselves could not. Indian parents are often found justifying their actions in more ways than one.
So,what happens to the student who was forced to take up subjects or languages he never liked? My study over the years shows that some do well simply because they have to,while a significant majority begin to show poor academic performance. And still others who,after finishing their studies,change their career completely.
Examples of these include the following:
A girl forced to take up engineering by her parents began to show poor performance right from the very beginning. But,as the parents did not relent,she took to drugs. Finally,she is now doing what she originally wanted to do-fashion designing.This from a very well placed family.
One other girl I know quietly wrote an entrance exam for a Hotel Management course and then told her parents that she had made it.
Another girl was being forced to take up science and maths so as to be able to take up an engineering seat,but she failed in 2 attempts. And now,she is a lawyer.
A young man who finished engineering with a distinction,because the father was also an engineer,never pursued a career in engineering.Instead he set up a little restaurant and is doing extremely well for the past few years.
Another young man who is an electrical engineer just because his father was, made sure he gave his daughter a career choice,and guess what,she is a bank manager today-something the father had been denied.
Times change and it is imperative for parents to understand not to force their desires or aspirations on their children. Children today are much more aware because of the exposure gained through the internet and so must be gently guided along. Never nag! Do your homework well and find what choices are available as options for your children,but first take into account the temperament and the interests. The career choice should be a passion,not a drudgery.The career choice being made should not be so that the parents can strut around in society saying that their son/daughter is an engineer/doctor/MBA.

HOW TO COPE WITH EXAMS?

Exams being round the corner for most,I see many mothers more concerned about their children's performances than the children themselves.The happy go lucky attitude of the students can sometimes be misconstrued as "careless","not bothered",,etc.,...while the parents feel that they have done all they can in putting their children in good schools and colleges and also got them the best home tutor around.Tutorials obviously flourish because of the attitude of parents that they did not get the best and so they want their children to be given the best in education and everything else.They fail to understand why the marks are still not up to the mark.In the face of competition,every teacher and parent emphasize the need to score a 100%,not even 99.9%.
So,what does the harassed student do?Parents and teachers have the eternal bad habit of comparing a student with his siblings or peers saying,"Why can't you score like that?"
Every student is unique!The ability to grasp quickly,or understanding the concepts of math and science is different for everyone.A variety of factors come into play for this,most important among these being the genes inherited and proper nutrition in addition to a positive and healthy environment in which to study.
Parents and students have many questions regarding exams,revision,and methods of study.Many valuable suggestions in the form of videos are found here on videojug!
Recommended Reading:Top Tips To Revise For Exams
How To Concentrate
Study Guides and Strategies
Do You Have A Perfect Study Place

SIR KEN ROBINSON'S TALK ON DO SCHOOLS KILL CREATIVITY?

Is our education system nurturing or stifling creativity? Creativity expert Sir Ken Robinson speaks to teachers,educators and parents,presenting a case for creating an education system that nurtures creativity.

INTERNET SAFETY FOR CHILDREN

Parents are more concerned with the safety of their children when using the internet at home or in school.Majority of the parents find themselves sitting with their kids in their free time while on the net.But,how long can you baby sit a student who is online for his upcoming project.The minute you answer a phonecall or the door, the student is busy messaging away a friend,or updating his profile on social networking sites such as Orkut,Facebook,hi5.Schools and colleges are careful to bar all social networking websites and mail sites such as Google and Yahoo and IM services such as Skype.
But the parent and teacher can equip themselves with the knowledge of internet services most relevant to them and the safety of their children.And communicate with them in the right and most effective manner.Keeping communication channels open with your children is the most important.

Internet Safety; A Guide for Parents & Teachers

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Recommended Reading:How to Keep Your Child Safe On The Internet
Internet Safety For Kids And Adults
How To Equip Yourself Against Online Threats

HOW TO BE A COMMITED PARENT?

Parents need to be good role models for their children.Children learn by watching and unconsciously imbibe several characteristics and habits from those around them.Time spent with parents these days is becoming lesser,so the quality of time spent together matters.Every home is unique and so are the children.After all,they are God's gift to us.
As your baby grows through the different stages of development,needs change,so parents have to adapt accordingly.Infancy,preschool,school,teens,college life,young adulthood bring their share of joys and sorrows to watch and later recall fond memories once the young adult flies away from your nest.

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ROAD SAFETY FOR CHILDREN

Traffic jams are a common sight on Indian city roads,and road safety is a matter of great concern for all,particularly school and college students.Whatever mode of transport is adopted to get to their institution and back home,parents wait for the safe return of their wards every day.Depending on the proximity of school or college and the route involved,the approximate time taken can never be totally adhered to,most of the time.Often, parents have to call up on the child's cell phone to find out if he reached safely and on time,be it tuitions,coaching classes, friend's party,or the school.
Anxious parents and teachers at school would do well to educate their students about the do's and don'ts on Indian roads.Some schools encourage their children to take active part in helping to regulate traffic within the campus,on a rotation basis.

Road Safety Tips for Parents and Teachers

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TECHNOLOGY AND TEACHERS

Living in the garden city of Bangalore, the ITcapital of India, I see a newfound broadmindedness among people of all ages, particularly the older generation towards the Gen X. They share a vision for the future being more virtual in all major aspects. Better prospects for the young means earlier introduction to palmtops,laptops and such other gadgets. It is now a common sight to see mothers working from home on the computer, with their little ones in their lap. Introduction of computers in all schools and being taught how to use them has made every child much more aware and confident.

But, what of the older generation? No, I am not referring to their parents. Some of course, use the computer for just checking their email, some use only for chatting and still others, only at work. Parents that are software engineers,of course,are always busy online, much to the disappointment of their children,especially,when they work from home even on holidays.

By older generation, I meant grandparents. I met a lady who celebrated her 60th birthday recently and was gifted a laptop by her siblings. She was particularly excited as she could now not only converse with her son and his family abroad, but could also see her little granddaughter using the web cam. She was so excited at the prospect of learning to use and gain more knowledge over the internet and keeping abreast of several of her pet topics. Online, I have come across a lady who is more than 86 and has her own channel on youtube, a couple of elderly gentlemen in their 90's who blog and host a radio station, some are into podcasting. You name it, they are into it. Researchers admit that those that are elderly can remain young and healthy, with an active mind, if they play games against themselves or the computer on the net, and also play word games like scrabble and crossword on the net. The number of elderly people online is definitely on the rise. Retired people find a usefulness in blogging about various topics, and earn out of it too. Some contribute meaningfully to the discussions on Skypecasts.

What of the teachers in schools? Do they use the computers and the internet as much as their counterparts in other parts of the world? Some teachers are very adept at the use of the computers and use PowerPoint presentations to supplement their classroom teaching. Very few, use Excel for teaching or for representing students marks. The most commonly used is Word for Question paper,etc. Still others use only the email, to send mails to their students regarding projects, or last minute notes and diagrams. Many, many teachers just shy away from the use of computers and internet.Technology confuses them, or rather, it is a mental block that needs to be addressed. Schools should take time in familiarising such teachers with ways and means to utilise computers and the internet not just to aid their classroom teaching, but also to help them finish their additional duties such as tallying of marks faster and more accurately. After all, teachers are their employees who in turn, will be more efficient in churning out quality pupils who are ready to take on the world. Such schools should take a cue from certain international schools where the teacher is provided with a laptop and always online to answer queries from their students, parents and the management, 24x7. It certainly would be a pleasure to see more of Indian teachers blogging and editing the wikis.

ARE YOU YOUR KID'S FRIEND OR KID'S PARENT?

It is often seen when children are accompanying their parents to a mall or any restaurant, it is the child that decides what the family should do or eat. Similarly, what car a family should buy, and what cereal to have for breakfast! Clearly, parents are giving in to their children's demands, to have some peace.

The reasons for this are many.

• Both parents are busy working or engaged with commitments and children are most often left to themselves.
• Television and print advertisements are always aimed at the children in the home, clearly indicating who's BOSS!
• Parents are not making the effort to keep their children in check and are allowing themselves to be manipulated.
• Some parents even gloat over their kids manipulating them. They fail to see the distant future and what they will grow up to be!
• " Keeping up with the Jone s's" is what drives some parents into believing and accepting the child's point of view.

To all such parents, I say, "Make your choice today! Do you want to be your kid's friend or your kid's parent?"
Always remember God made us parents for our kids.

FINDING A QUALITY HOME TUTOR

Having been a private tutor for several years now, my interactions with parents, grandparents, students, principals and teachers from a wide variety of schools has given me an insight into several aspects of home tutoring. In this post, I will discuss the qualities necessary in a good tutor for your child.

Most parents just want to find a tutor to be able to tell everyone that they have hired a private tutor.Some parents are too busy to even see if their children have done their homework.Still others feel the genuine need to engage a tutor for the child to pick up his grades in a particular subject/subjects. Some parents want the child to get a good foundation in understanding the basic concepts because in higher classes, competition gets stiff and they have to stay ahead. Whatever the need, quality tutors are hard to come by.

• A quality home tutor must be one that can establish rapport with the student. Being able to speak and connect in the same language makes all the difference. Once the tutor and student connect, effective communication and impartation of useful knowledge occurs.The tutor will be more effective when he knows when to draw the line, especially with a particularly playful or talkative student.
• A tutor should also be an excellent motivator. Sometimes, the child is afraid of exams.He does well in his weekly/monthly tests but he panics at the mere mention of exam. Encouraging him and showing him how to improve his scores, will greatly help.
• Watching his friends perform well sometimes can act as motivation but in some students, it brings in tremendous pressure and he begins to give up on himself. He might just switch his mind off in the classroom or the tuition session. It is here the tutor also becomes a strong motivating force. He has to help maintain a positive healthy mindset which is crucial for achild's performance in school.
• Healthy habits and great values of life are unconsciously imbibed by the student.Therefore, the tutor must be able to do this.
• Teaching should be his passion, and should be able to guide each student according to his area of difficulty.
• He should speak regularly to the parents regarding the child's progress and get regular feedback from the school as well. With this, the tutor can be certain of his teaching style and pace.

It is not whether the tutor is a regular teacher in a school or that he is a Ph d , it is the way in which he makes the child interested in the subject and has the desire to help him in improving his grades. This is the quality factor in a tutor.

HOW FAR SHOULD MY CHILD SIT IN FRONT OF THE COMPUTER?

Computers are an ideal tool for learning through play. Every school insists on computer classes from a very young age. Rhymes and music are played, drawing and painting is encouraged on the computer. Even stories are told using flashcards generated on the computer screen.
A little older child is encouraged to play computer games. At school, the 4th grade upwards are being taught programming languages as well. PowerPoint presentations are common among 5th graders and above. 6th graders are taught to create their own websites as well.
As to the use of internet, all school projects are done carefully after sourcing information from the net. Reference books from the library have taken a back seat . Almost every school going child from 5th upwards has an email-id. They love using computer jargon, especially if their parents do not know, and parents enjoy that.
But, very few educationists lay down guidelines for the child with respect to ergonomics. They are only satisfied in blocking social networking sites and email agents while children surf online in the computer class.
And at home, parents are more eager in providing a computer with internet connection for their wards without verifying the lighting and seating aspects while the child is at the computer.

Essential guidelines to follow

• Computer workstation meant for an adult is not suitable for a child. They may have to look up at a different angle than the parent.
• Investing in a good chair which can be adjusted according to the child's height is recommended.
• The recommended distance between the monitor and the eye for children is between 18 and 28 inches.
• Parents should check for sources of glare by sitting in front of the computer.Windows or other light sources should not be directly visible while at the computer.
• American Optometric Association recommends that children take short breaks of at least 20-seconds for every 20 minutes of computer time.

The Association warns that many children may be developing Computer Vision Syndrome due to prolonged computer use. In addition to vision problems as with the adult, a child spending too much time in front of the computer screen can develop eye discomfort, blurred vision, fatigue and headaches.

TELEVISION AND YOUR CHILD

Every child clearly loves television.Sometimes, when left alone, they tend to go on for hours,with a high volume.

Certain guidelines need to be adhered to, so as to regulate quality viewing.This can be both fun and rewarding if limited.

• Spend quality time talking to your children.Have fun playing engaging board games. Allow them to ask questions and answer them patiently. Make an effort to know their friends, their teachers at school and what interests them in school and in the field. Above all, let them know you love them, by listening to them.Never reprimand them for delaying you by talking incessantly. Discuss a favourite tv show or a character they particularly like.
• Emphasize other activities. Encourage hobbies like reading, painting or drawing.Creative outlets like these do not stifle like television does.
• Children watch and emulate parent's example.So, switch off the telly, and do not make it the focus of your existence in the living room.
• Do not let the kids have a television in their bedrooms.
• Use television responsibly. Direct children to view historical ,educational or themes that entertain according to their age.
• Never allow homework to be done in front of the tv.
• Switch off the telly during mealtimes and enjoy the food and your family.
  

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HOW TO BE A ROLE MODEL FOR YOUR KIDS

It's tough being a good parent especially when your child is moving into adolescence and is rearing to assert his/her independence. The pressures of modern life, expectations of success from an early age, peer pressure coupled with working parents who can spare little time for him/her make it difficult for an adolescent to seek advice and guidance. Parents are often torn between their own expectations of success from their children and the desire to protect them from a tough world.

Be a role model. Children are extremely sensitive. They are also intelligent enough to see through pretense. It's important for parents to practice what they preach and not breach the code of ethics and values which they are imparting to their children.

Try and spend quality time with your children. Even if it is not too long it's important that it counts and your children feel that you are there for them. Sharing at least one meal a day or praying together are good ways to feel togetherness as a family.

Reserve time for communication. Your children should be encouraged to talk openly about how they feel and on things affecting them. Also be alert to non-verbal cues which will often tell you more than what the child is saying.

In issue which the child feels very strongly about he/she, should be allowed to make his/her own decision. You must make your own position on the subject very clear and try and explain the consequences of the decision the child wants to make. As far as possible allow the child to come to his own conclusion and act accordingly.

Sensitive topics like sex should not be a taboo. In today's age, it is imperative that you talk to your children about sex-related diseases. Parents need to encourage a healthy openness about physical intimacy and opposite gender friendships.

Do not allow your children to be witness to your differences with your spouse. It can be traumatic for a child to see any strife between parents.
(Source-The Times Of India Bangalore)