Asset of the Month – The Bond Between Children and School

School is second only to home in the amount of time a child spends there.  In some cases, the school environment is “home”—if you define “home” as a place where a child feels protected, loved, and taken care of.  Caring teachers and staff– from the school nurse, to the cafeteria workers, to the maintenance crew, teach children lessons that aren’t found in any textbook; especially when the home environment is dangerous or neglectful.  The Bond Between a Child and His or Her School  is our very important Developmental Asset for September.

For children of all ages, from pre-school through high school, here are some things you can do to make a good strong bond:

1. Encourage your child to have a sense of belonging.  Make the school “theirs”.  If you are able, purchase a special T-shirt, sweatshirt, or cap.  This gives your child a sense of belonging to something larger than just himself.  It also fosters a sense of pride.  Even wearing “civilian” clothing in school colors can make a child feel a part of the group.
2. Participate, with your child, in school sponsored service projects, such as food drives.  This teaches a child that even school is part of a larger picture, and the child, as part of the school, is also part of that picture.
3. Set a good example—GET INVOLVED!  Studies show that involved parents have involved children.  Join the PTA, be a “reader” during story time, work at the school carnival.  Make a commitment and your child will make one, too. Attend school functions–children need to see that their school is a high priority on your list too.
4. Listen to your children’s complaints. Try to identify the real problem, and work out a “three-way” solution—one that works for your child, the teacher, and you.
5. Help your child identify caring adults at school.  Teach them that these people are their allies; that it’s okay to go to them if they need help or advice.

In this day and age, more schools are striving to provide children with a place they can feel comfortable in coming to in times of trouble at home.  Children need to feel that there are adults who will stand between them and whatever is threatening or unsafe.  More and more, school personnel are fulfilling this role.

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