Sept. 01--Dawne Simpson wears a couple of hats. She's an eighth-grade math teacher at Jane Macon Middle School and a mother of three.
"My oldest is Andy, who is a junior at Brunswick High this year. He is 16. Carleigh is my middle child and only girl. She is 11 and is in the sixth grade at Jane Macon Middle," she said. "Clay is the youngest. He is 8 and is in third grade at C.B. Greer."
At the beginning of a new school year, the family takes a moment to focus.
"We make sure that all three of our children understand that we only want them to do their best. We don't always expect them to bring home all A's," Simpson said
But she does expect them to try every day, and to work hard. To make sure that they're reaching their potentials, she stays on top of their school assignments.
She knows from being a teacher herself that parental involvement helps a child's performance.
"A parent just being involved in their children's lives, in and out of school, will help them to do well. Support your child if they play ball for the school or are in the band. It means a lot to a child to see someone who cares show up to support them."
Structure is another key element, she said. In her case, the family lays out a study system to help the children stay on top of their work.
"For example, Clay has a spelling test each Friday. We sit down at the beginning of the week and break up the studying so that he will know all his words by Friday. This week he has 10 words," Simpson said.
"So we will study one to three (words) on Monday, four to six on Tuesday and seven to 10 on Wednesday. Thursday is used for a final review. We try to make sure they don't have to cram the night before. Learning a little each night is easier."
Similar methods help others parents who, like Simpson, want to give their children the best chances at succeeding. As a mother of two and the 10th grade counselor at Glynn Academy, Angela Votis understands.
While her children are now in college, she spends her days talking with young people about their academic ambitions, as well as their personal tribulations.
From her experiences, both at home and school, Votis knows that raising happy, responsible children can be challenging.
The scholastic success of a child is heavily influenced by mom and dad.
Votis advises parents to remain active in their children's lives, from the time they are start kindergarten until they graduate from college.
"Parent involvement is invaluable," she said. "You have to get involved in their education. Parents who are involved have kids who do better in school."
Votis suggests that parents join school-oriented organizations, such as the Parent Teacher Student Association.
"Even if they work, they can still join the PTSA. You should know (a child's) teachers, counselors, friends," she said.
While involvement is important, there has to be a line. Parents shouldn't take on their child's responsibilities. Making sure that children handle their own school work and responsibilities is key.
"It's also important that, while you're involved, you shouldn't do everything for your child. You should also make sure they follow through on commitments," she said.
"Don't let them quit if they are taking classes like dancing or karate. When my children were little, they had to go (to a sport) for the entire year, then they could switch it."
The same should be true if a child is older. Instilling a sense of commitment and dedication is important.
"They should get a job, if they can, so they can learn budgeting and responsibility," Votis said.
"If they need to do something at school, like a schedule change, they should do it on their own. They have to learn to advocate for themselves. That way, they will make better decisions when they are not with you."
To further encourage good decision-making abilities, parents must communicate openly with their children.
"You need to talk to them every day and ask questions. You need to ask for updates on their daily activities. Ask if they had a test today or have a test tomorrow," she said.
This allows children to see that parents have an interest in their lives. That is a big plus when they grow older and face more intense challenges in life.
"They need to know that they can come to you about anything. Always encourage them to follow their dreams and tell them that you believe they are capable of anything," she said.
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