Help your elementary schooler develop an achievement attitude

Attitudes are like mental pictures. Basketball players who can picture themselves scoring a basket can usually do just that. Students who have a positive picture of themselves being successful in the classroom are more likely to achieve.

As a parent, you have the ability to help your child create positive pictures and positive thoughts about what she can do. Here are some ways you can help your child create an attitude of achievement:

• Picture success in school. Help your child create a mental picture of success. "I want you to see yourself getting an A on that book report."
• Stress the importance of effort. If your child is struggling, say, "When you studied hard last week, you got your spelling words right. You can do it."
• Give the positive behavior you see a name. "I was so proud when you were kind to the new boy in class today."

Reprinted with permission from the November 2009 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2009 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: John R. Ban, Parents Assuring Student Success: Achievement Made Easy by Learning Together, ISBN: 1-879-63972-6 (National Educational Service, www.nesonline.com).