San Diego Family August 2009 : Page 45
have on a child’s development, the necessity of building a relationship with this group of people has never been greater. Creating a team of focused and motivated individuals who will continually support the ongoing growth of your child requires a new set of parenting skills. Five Steps to Building Your Support Team Create a roster Who will impact your child’s life this year? Begin by creating a list of the adults who will connect with your child during the first month of school. Teachers, school administrators, coaches, mentors and extended family members are common additions to most team rosters. Position the players With a completed team roster, identify when and where your child will see these critical people. Teachers and school personnel typically fall within a specified seven-hour time block on a regular Monday through Friday schedule. However, the after-school hours are equally important. Identifying who will supervise your child beyond the conclusion of the school day creates an accurate picture of your child’s life and the role that each adult will play this year. Connect The beginning of a school year marks the start to many new relationships. During the first few weeks of school, take two minutes to communicate with each person on your roster. Send a written note, email message or share a quick conversation in person. The message to convey is short yet sincere: “Hi, I just wanted you to know how excited I am to have you in my child’s life this year.” This quick introduction sends a powerful message to everyone on your team about the importance of his role on your team. Check-in Don’t wait until a problem arises to initiate a conversation. Every 2–3 sandiegofamily.com “Help me do it by myself” Ages 2½-6 Since 1988 Selected Best of Chula Vista Preschools 2008 Lic#370805837 • Preschool & Kindergarten • Full/Half Day Programs •Music & Spanish Optional (619) 422-1220 www.montessoriamerican.com 3604 Bonita Rd. Bonita/Chula Vista Hours: 9 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. Extended Care Available San Diego Learning Cen ter Is your child struggling at school, feeling frustrated or needing to be challenged? • We begin with iden ti fy ing your child’s needs • Personalized academic program & in struc tion • Frequent parent communication & school visits • Certifi ed teachers n its • #1 recommended program Reading • Math • Writing • Study Skills • SA Need A Tutor? Call Now 619-426-2474 with purchase of another diagnostic evaluation. Expires 08/31/09. 50% OFF Evaluation Now Enrolling for Pre-K Academy 3-4 year olds (potty-trained) SAT Prep • Homework Support Chula Vista • Eastlake • Viejas • Barona Diagnostic www.sandiegolearningcenter.com Safe Solutions for Frantic Families In business since 1999 GRAND OPENING SPECIAL Grand OpeninG Special Save 15% www.HairFairies.com Mention this ad when you book your appointment Expires August 15, 2009 (858) 459-5423 5727 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla Los Angeles . New York August 2009 . San Francisco . San Diego . Chicago San Diego Family Magazine 45 Save 15% imes are tough enough without LICE making it tougher on head lice removal services without LICE making it tougher on head lice removal services Times are tough enough

