Today's Tip for Families

05-13-2022

Encourage Self-Expression and Responsibility in One Project

Parents and children often struggle over "freedom" issues. Kids want independence, and parents need to keep them safe. One solution: Find harmless ways for your child to express individuality, such as a bedroom redecoration project. This allows your student to practice those important reasoning, planning and decision-making skills that help in school.

For a successful decorating project, follow these steps:

1. Brainstorm. Let your child's imagination go wild. Don't criticize during this process. Simply enjoy hearing (and writing down) your child's ideas.
2. Make a budget. This gives your child clear limits. Within those limits, your student will have options to choose from.
3. Begin to plan. Review the list of your child's ideas. What seems realistic? What doesn't? Look at decorating websites, magazines and books together to help figure it out.
4. Get started. Make a step-by-step plan. Let your child have as much input as possible.
5. Relax. You don't have to love the way the room comes out. This is an opportunity for your child to make choices and live with them.
6. Be positive. Can't stand the results? Don't say a thing. If your child feels happy in the room, you've succeeded!

Brought to you by:

Webster County Schools

[School Success Ideas for Families]

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