Activities should
usually be low cost or free. We discourage spending money
on your child each time you go out. Once in awhile is fine, but
finding free activities will help build on the child's leisure
resources. We do not want to have the child become dependent on
your wallet for activities.
Increase your child's leisure awareness. Try new activities with them.
Ask your child's
parent if it's OK for you to speak with the child's teacher. Ask the
teacher what areas he/she needs help in and what you can do to help.
Show interest in school report cards, school plays and activities.
READ with your child.
You can read at the library, park or anywhere. READ READ READ!
This is an area where the majority of the children need help. Most
of them are below grade level.
Encourage your child
to increase chores around the house. For example, a good starting
place would be to challenge them to have their room clean before you
pick them up for an outing.
Show interest in
their family and friends.
Be consistent!
Encourage exercise
and good nutrition. Please do not take your child to eat fast food
all the time. Yes, once in awhile will be OK but not all the time.
Teach your child to
be appreciative of things. For example, encourage them to thank you
and others for an outing or gift.
Always tell the
parent where you're going and what time you will return.
Never drop off your child if there is no one at home!
Keep good
communication with your child and their parent. If you get busy and
can't see your child for a few weeks??..PLEASE let them know what's
going on. When you can't be there, try making a phone call to check
in with your child, they will appreciate it.
Encourage, praise and
model appropriate social behavior. This is an area where the
majority of the children need some serious work.
Let your child know
you care about them!
PRAISE???.PRAISE???PRAISE
even the smallest accomplishments at school and at home. Positive
reinforcement goes along way!!
Discussions to have
down the road once you've developed a relationship with your
child. You may want to get the OK from the parent/guardian before talking about some of
these issues:
Importance of getting a good education to lead to a good job.
Getting along with others
Giving back to the community, doing volunteer work.
Respect for others and their property
Peer pressure
Stealing
Prison
Drugs
The list goes on and on.
It really depends on the child's age and what's going on in their
life. Use your judgement and always use a teachable moment when you
can.
Most Importantly: LEAD BY EXAMPLE!
