4 Steps for Parenting Success - Kemper McDowell

Kemper McDowell, Executive Director Family & Community Engagement / Full Service Community Schools

This school year I want parents to focus on what needs to happen to make your child’s academic journey a successful and rewarding experience, and most of all ensure that they are on track for a bright future. I want to share 4 basic parenting steps for student success. I encourage parents to follow these basic steps which are 1. Understanding you child’s academic goals, 2. Getting an academic Check-up, 3. Building a good support system, and 4. Monitoring and Evaluating you child’s progress.

Step 1 - Set & Understand your Child's Academic Goals

What are your long term and short term goals for your child and what is required to meet those goals? If your short term goal is better Math Scores, talk with your child’s teacher to understand what is required. If a Rutgers education is your long term goal, understand what is needed to make this happen for your child. Remember to include your child in goal setting, it’s their future.

Step 2 - get an Academic Check-up for your child.

How prepared is your child to meet the challenges of the academic goals you have set. If you and your child are looking for better reading grades, “What are you Working With” at what level is your child currently reading? Is your child on track, or is he/she below where they should be? Well, this month visit your child’s teacher and ask them about your child’s Reading and Math levels, understanding you child’s current academic status is key to building a solution for their progress.

Step 3 - Build a Good Support System for you and your child.

There are no perfect systems, and at times every one needs support. The same goes for raising and educating our children. Make sure you surround your child with good role models and people that will support your values. Team up with other parents and join your schools PTO. Parents working together with similar goals is powerful.

Step 4 - Monitor and Evaluate Your child’s Progress

Monitor your child’s academic progress, and make sure your goals are on target. Attend back to school events, talk with teachers at least 2 times a marking period, and talk with your “child”. Ask your child’s teacher – is my child on track, are they taking the correct classes towards their goals? Ask to see your child’s quizzes, tests, bench mark tests and standardized tests. Don’t leave this important step to someone else, stay on top of your child’s progress.