The Male Influence
5. Fathers Can Read to the Kids The benefits of reading to children are numerous and well-documented. There are even more advantages of dads reading to a struggling reader: It shows that Dad thinks reading is just as important as Mom. Learning doesn’t stop when Dad gets home. It sets up a routine at night. Kids look forward to reading because they get to spend special time with Dad. Following along with a fluent reader builds comprehension and vocabulary. 4. Fathers Can Share Their Knowledge Even if Mom is primarily responsible for the day-to-day teaching (homework-ECT), Dad can impart his knowledge about any topic. Learning is not restricted to a curriculum. For a struggling reader, this is especially helpful because it shows that knowledge can be shared in ways other than reading and writing. And a particular topic or just his enthusiasm may spark your child’s interest in something and motivate her to learn more. 3. Moms and Dads Can Play to Their Strengths Maybe one of you has more patience. Maybe one of you is better at explaining math. What’s important is finding what is most helpful for your child. Sometimes you have to be creative to break through to a struggling learner. And two heads may be better than one. 2. Fathers Can Give Support and Encouragement Nothing is as critical to a struggling reader as encouragement. Moms, tell dad daily about your child’s accomplishments so he can commend her on a job well done. Even small victories are worth sharing. Whether or not Dad is at work for most of the day, knowing that he cares and supports a child’s efforts creates a positive atmosphere for learning. 1. Fathers Can Set a Good Example Fathers can be mindful of the kind of example they set for their children. Kids know that Dad goes to work every day, but what do they see when he comes home? Does he read? Does he ask how Mom is doing? Does he talk about the things he did and learned that day? Does he ask what the child did and learned that day? By providing additional support and education, and acting as a role model, even dads working outside of the home can contribute. |
The Female Influence
Executive functioning which is a set of advanced cognitive functions -- such as the ability to control impulses, remember things, and show mental flexibility -- that help us plan and monitor what we do to reach goals. Although executive functioning develops speedily between ages 1 and 6, children vary widely in their skills in this area. Now a new longitudinal study tells us that moms play a role in how their children develop these abilities. Ways to develop and expand executive functioning: 1. Answer child's requests for help quickly and accurately 2. Talk about child's preferences, thoughts, and memories during play 3. Encourage successful strategies to help solve difficult problems (Science Daily) Kids whose moms encourage them to exercise and eat well, and model those healthy behaviors themselves, are more likely to be active and healthy eaters, according to researchers at Duke Medicine. (Duke Health.org) being active and healthy prevents what I like to refer to as 'brain drain'. Both moms and dads play an important part in the academic lives of our children; sometimes the little things are just as important as the big things. I am constantly having to remind myself of that since I have a ten year old that is watching my every move. |
Role Models-Positive Influences
Tell your child how important school is. The attitude you express will be the attitude your child acquires.