Preparing your child for high school can be an exhilarating but tense time for you and your child. Let’s review some of the ways to make this transition more palpable.

Every middle or junior high school has a book of high schools. Your child can obtain this book from their Guidance Counselor or Homeroom Teacher. Once your child receives the book, look through it and determine which high school is appropriate for your child based on the programs offered and what interests your child the most.

Once your child has chosen several schools, you can make an appointment with their Guidance Counselor to discuss the schools that your child is considering. In addition, your child will also be able to attend the high school fairs and meetings which are held every year and which take place in all middle schools.

It’s also a good idea for your child to take a trip to each of the high schools, via public transportation, to determine how long the trip takes; is the high school easy to get to; and how many buses and trains it may take to get their.

It is also important to take a look at the selection requirements of each high school. Determine how many applicants there are, and how many kids they take per year. If the school requires an audition, it would be a good idea for your child to start practicing. Have your child apply to his or her first choice, but also apply to your local high school as a safe school. This is just in case your child is not accepted into the better school. Have your child network with friends who are attending different high schools. Ask them what high school they are attending and if they like the school, and why.

If your child is disabled, there are some schools which have special facilities for the physically challenged, such as elevators and ramps. In addition, if your child is an ESL student (English as a Second Language), find out which schools have ESL programs. Your child’s Guidance Counselor or teacher will help him or her fill out the application.

High School is a very important next step in your child’s educational career. Anything and everything you can do to help your child attain the confidence and strength to pursue his education is a step in the right direction. Undoubtedly, choosing a high school will be stressful, and there is a chance he or she may not be chosen for the top school. It is important to keep your child calm, while at the same time reinforcing how proud you are, and that any school he or she is accepted into will be lucky to have your child as a student there. Take heart; this is a cakewalk compared to the college applications!

To learn more, check out the Mom’s Talk Guide to Raising Happy & Healthy Kids – Tips and resources address nutrition, exercise, sleep, routines, and much more.

With so many different ways to parent children it’s hard to know what being a good parent means.

When we were born, our parents didn’t have books or instruction kits on how to raise us. They certainly made mistakes, but overall did a great job, right? Today, there is too much information advising parents how to rear their children. It’s not only confusing, but overall contradictory. When it comes to parenting; throw out the manual and follow your instincts.

Becoming a parent can be a difficult and sometimes frightening experience. From the time your baby is born, paranoia sets in over every little cry, cough, or sleepless night. It’s natural, but unnecessary. You need to have confidence in your ability to care for your child. This is the first step. A positive attitude follows. Fear or apprehension can be sensed by a child. Therefore, it is important to remain calm, clear, and somewhat impervious to the demands placed upon you as a parent. If you talk yourself into thinking you can’t do it; you won’t be able to.

From the first book ever written by Dr. Spock, there is a plethora of magazines and books on every conceivable problem you may face; ignore it. Your instinct as a mom is all that is required to determine the needs of your child. If you make a mistake; don’t worry about it; learn from it. Seek out family and friends as your support group. Don’t allow negative thinking to overcome you. Neither should you believe you’re the only one in the world who is going through a particular problem. Remember, children are much more resilient than we think.

While your parents may have handled situations in one way, you can create new methods for dealing with specific issues. Don’t be afraid to try. There isn’t any advice in any book that can override your own instinctual feelings. Rely on them; trust them, and you’ll be just fine. Being a parent is a learning process you need to experience on a daily basis. Your inner strength will guide you. Listen to the voice within; it’s all you’ll ever need on learning how to be a good parent.

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Whether or not homeschooling is right for your family really depends on the individual family and situation.

Education is the number one priority in this country, yet we have seen more and more deterioration of schools in the last ten years, than any other time in history. This is due in part to the consistent and often times unnecessary reorganization of schools; change in curriculum; and, most importantly, oversized classrooms which thwart the educational process. In addition, discipline has become a major problem in most public schools today.

Add to this peer pressure, gang related incidents and violence; neither of which is conducive to the learning environment. Therefore, the question: “is homeschooling right for your family?” happens to be a valid one. Let’s explore some of the issues you need to consider about homeschooling.

Is it cost effective for you to homeschool your child? Depending upon your city, you may be able to avail yourself of the many materials needed either through your local school, community or library. Studies have shown that homeschooled children show far better results that attending regular schools. If both parents currently work outside the home, it’s likely one of you will have to quit your job to home school.

Teaching your child at home, while in a comfortable and non-threatening setting, allows the child to work at his or her own pace. However, keeping up with the curriculum standards is important as well. A great deal has been mentioned lately regarding the amount of time a child spends from the moment they awake until they finish their homework at night. It is estimated they put in more than 10 hours a day. Homeschooling can alleviate the stress of traveling to and from school and lack of sleep, to a more relaxed learning environment wherein the child will be able to rest easier, and retain most of which he or she has learned.

While homeschool is a decision the entire family must make, since one parent will have to stay home every day to ensure their child’s educational progress is on track; there are other things to consider as well. If there are other children a parent has to care for, it may be difficult to conduct learning sessions, and may require bringing in someone to care for the siblings every day.

Testing is another consideration. This also depends upon state regulations and test requirements, especially if the child is going to college. Check with your state’s educational policies to determine what tests if any have to be conducted and under what conditions.

Finally, you and your family must sit down and thoroughly go over all of the necessary items you need; if homeschooling is affordable for you; if you have the time, patience and commitment to see it through; and be willing to make whatever sacrifices are necessary for the sake of your child. Once you have answered all of these questions, you can then answer the next question with certainty: Is home schooling right for your family?

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