While it is an enormous privilege to have children, parenthood brings with it quite a number of responsibilities and basic duties that you as parent cannot escape.

Children, even without realising it, rely on their parents for their basic needs, caring, education and support. It is your duty as parent to provide everything your children need to grow up to adulthood as smoothly and comfortably as possible. The following simple rules and guidelines will help you to cope with your duties as a parent:

      • Establish clear rules and expectations for your child’s behaviour at home and at school.
      • Your child can’t concentrate on learning if she or he’s hungry and tired. Don’t let her or him stay up too late on school nights. Make sure he or she eats a nutritious breakfast and lunch each day
      • Never send your child to school if she or he is ill
      • Be sure your child’s immunisations are up-to-date
      • If your child is having difficulty in a particular area, ask teachers to suggest specific ways you can help at home
      • Require your child to attend school. Don’t let her or him miss school for unimportant reasons
      • Know your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Don’t compare her or him to another child
      • Take advantage of preschool screening programmes offered by most school districts. Early detection is vital if your child has vision, hearing or other problems that could interfere with learning
      • Set priorities so that your child knows homework is more important than playing or watching TV. His or her extracurricular activities also should allow time for schoolwork

For other relevant topics in this series, read the articles listed below:

        • How to encourage academic growth
        • How to communicate effectively and cooperate with the school
        • How to develop positive attitudes and motivation for learning
        • How to assist and support your child at home and at school (introduction)
        • Parent support for children during their school years

 

Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EAP) is available 24 hours if you want to discuss your support for your child.