“Reinforcing Learning” Easier than it Sounds

 The concept of “reinforcing learning” can be tricky when you are the parent of a high school student. You may not feel that you remember or know enough about the subjects your teen is studying to “reinforce” them.  That’s okay. A top learning expert says a great way for parents to reinforce learning is simply to create a family life that values learning and makes learning possible. Try these suggestions:
- Talk about the jobs people hold wherever you go with your teen. Discuss the education needed for such a job, but keep it casual – avoid lecturing.

- Encourage your teen to research and explore – from finding something new for your home to discovering a new place for your family to visit.

- Let your teen know you are interested in anything new he learns at school, and you would love for him to explain these concepts to you.

- Tell your teen that you are available for help if he is struggling. Ask him what you can do.

- Have some fun family projects like painting a wall or cooking a special meal that you and your teen can do together.

- Encourage your teen’s talents, even if they are not what you would have picked, and show respect for what he can do.
- Ask for your teenager’s opinions on everything.  They are usually aware of major current events and have given them some thought. Make sure your teen knows that you value his opinion whether you agree with it or not. 

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  Parent Quiz: Are You Too Involved?

Experts worry that some parents are too involved in their teen’s success.  They may keep teens from maturing on their own.  Could this be true for you?

___1. If my teen has put off a big project until the last minute, he knows he can count on me to do research and type the paper for him.

___2. If my teen’s team loses, it takes me a long time to get over it.

___3. When I talk about my teen’s classes, I sometimes talk about the classes “we” are taking.

___4. If my teen gets a bad grade, I call the teacher to complain. If that doesn’t work, I call the principal or the school board.

___5. If my teen regularly misses the school bus, I’ll drive her to school or write a note to excuse her.
 How well are you doing?

Each no answer is a good sign that you are letting your child take charge. Each yes answer means you may have taken on too much responsibility for your teen’s learning. Back off a bit so your teen can take over.

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Notice: Rudeness Will Not be Tolerated!

He rolls his eyes when you speak to him. When you ask him to do something, he ignores you. These are signs of rudeness. Odds are, if he’s being rude to you, he’s also being rude to other adults. It is one teenage behavior that drives adults crazy.

In most cases, rudeness takes time to develop and it may also take some time to correct it.

Start by taking a good long look at how others in your family behave. If teasing, insults and wisecracks are considered “normal,” your teen is simply mimicking what he sees at home. If you see that behavior (even in yourself), work on changing it.

But what if everyone else in your family treats people with respect? Then it’s time for you to take action with your teen. Wait for a time when you can talk without losing your temper. Then tell your son that you are unhappy with his behavior. Tell him that you expect him to treat you and others with the same respect he wishes to receive.

It’s the Golden Rule, of course, and it is still the best way for people to get along with each other. The more your teen treats others with respect, the more he will respect himself.  

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Greetings from PCN

Here we are, getting ready for the holiday season - it just seemed to arrive overnight!  As I prepared to write this, I started thinking of the movie “Click”.   The star wants to hurry through some everyday things so he can get to where he wants to be in life.  You know, the raise, the promotion, the bigger house, and older kids - all of those “it will be easier when” thoughts.  But as the story unfolds, he realizes he has missed some of the most important parts of his life, the ordinary living of day-to-day joys. 
This year my goal is to make holiday memories every day, not just when the house is clean, the gifts are wrapped or the bills are paid.   I invite you to spend time talking with your family this holiday season and enjoying their company.  I believe this quote by Anthony Brandt puts things into perspective: “Other things may change us, but we start and end with family.”  

So enjoy family and friends this holiday season, and remember to give yourself time to truly enjoy each day.

Happy Holidays, Darcy Jensen and the PCN board 

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