Beyond the School Bell (continued)
If solving geometric equations is your weakness, discuss
with your child's teacher about recommended books, videos and tapes
that offer math help. Because math is a difficult subject for many,
a plethora of resources have been developed to assist non-mathematicians.
Reaching out to family and friends for their math genius is another
free option. In this way, your child will see a village concerned
about her success. Others have discovered innovative ways of generating
interest in completing homework assignments.
One witty author has taken great steps to make math homework more
enjoyable. David Schwartz has written numerous books for kids including
G is for Googol A Math Alphabet Book and If You Made a Million.
Visit Schwartz at www.davidschwartz.com
for more information on his entertaining books on math and science.
As an accomplished storyteller, Schwartz hooks kids into the world
of math with mind-boggling questions. Whether browsing bookshelves
in the library or surfing the Web, parents are more resourceful nowadays
when it comes to inspiring kids to complete homework assignments.
"I always try teaching my son the connection between homework
and competition in life. Life is not easy and I don't sugarcoat the
world we live in," says Norman. "Everything has timelines
and deadlines. Just like kids have timelines when homework is due,
adults have deadlines when specific job assignments must be completed."
He says David II's participation in after-school activities is contingent
on how David II fares in school. What happens when homework is not
finished prior to dad coming home? Norman tells David II, "You
have to be accountable to be responsible or you will be held accountable
for being irresponsible." Although this statement is often repeated,
Norman knows that David II fully understands, and is learning about
not just homework concepts, but also life and its many concepts. Let's
face it raising kids in single-parent homes is a challenging situation.
However, it's a circumstance that births numerous blessings and blues.
As a single mom, I find it exciting to see single dads out there trekking
the same journey as me one where the adventure won't end until
I've accomplished everything possible in being the best parent possible.
So keep walking. Keep running. Keep rising after your fall. You never
know. You may be inspiring the next Albert Einstein or Earvin "Magic"
Johnson.
Additional resources
Fatherneed Why Father Care Is as Essential as
Mother Care for Your Child, by Kyle Pruett, The
Free Press, 2000. Explores the many stages of fatherhood by examining
the affects of fatherhood on children and fathers.
The New Father The Single Father: A Dad¹s Guide
to Parenting Without a Partner, by Armin A. Brott, Abbeville
Press, 1999. Written by a single dad, this book uses the personal
experiences of single fathers to drive home helpful advice.
Pilgrim Prayers for Single Fathers, by David
Albert Farmer, Ph.D., Pilgrim Press, 2004. A book of devotions for
fathers looking for spiritual guidance.
Positive Discipline for Single Parents: Nurturing, Cooperation,
Respect and Joy in Your Single-Parent Family, by Jane
Nelson, Cheryl Erwin and Carol Delzer, Prima Lifestyles, 1999. This
informative book offers ideas for time management, disciplining kids,
as well as creating positive communication relationships between kids
and parents.
1 | 2
June 1, 2004
|
