A WORKING MOTHER’S GUIDE TO EDUCATING YOUR CHILD
Greetings everyone! My name is Medina Jackson, Community Outreach Coordinator for Ready Freddy: Pathways to Kindergarten Success. I am also a performance artist, budding entrepreneur, and most of all, the proud mother of a vibrant two year old boy, Masiah. Reflecting upon my journey as a working mother, I would have loved to stay home with him longer than his first 2 months, or perhaps homeschool him. However, financially, and as a professional who enjoys my field, it made the most sense to continue working. But I am no less diligent in the quality of education my son receives when he is with me and when he is with his caretakers while I am at work.
As parents, we want the best of everything for our children. Regardless of circumstance or socioeconomic status, we all want to give our children the keys to understanding life and the tools and resources to make their hopes and dreams a reality. The foundation of our children’s success is the education they receive throughout their lives, inside and outside of the classroom, and they need strong roots to grow the best fruit! The root word of education is educe, which means to bring out or develop potential. As we recognize the innate genius and intelligence in our children, we must create an experience and environment of constant learning that nurtures all of the greatness inside of them.
In that vein, here are 10 tips for working mothers who want the best education for their children
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When selecting a daycare or school, set up a visit well before the school year starts. Explore multiple options. Ask lots of questions and be prepared to discuss your child’s strengths, challenges, and interests. Consult your gut and senses about your experience in the facility and meeting with staff.
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Speak often with your child and ensure reading is happening at least 20 minutes a day. It will increase their vocabulary and communication skills.
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It is important to instill global citizenship into our children. In order for our children to be citizens of the world (and not just their neighborhood) and be competitive within a global marketplace, they must have a wide range of experiences.
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Spend quality time with your child every day. No matter how many tasks you have to do when you get home, before starting anything, take a moment, even if it’s only ten minutes, to re-connect with your child.
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Do not over-schedule your child. It can be tempting to have them in activities every moment of the day. However, give your child some time and space to themselves to reflect and engage their hobbies and interests to develop the ability to think, entertain themselves and work independently which will be helpful for educational success. A little solitude is good.
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Some children are more introverted and others are more extroverted…and nothing is wrong with either. Introversion and extroversion are temperaments, mostly based on biological factors. Pay attention to your child’s temperament and communicate this to their teachers to avoid any negative labeling based on misunderstanding. Do your research on the characteristics of both.
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Always remain a student. Continue to grow and stimulate yourself mentally so that you have lots to share with your children.
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The world is your classroom! Learning can happen anywhere at any time. Learning is life and it can and should be fun.
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Start charting your child’s educational course as early as possible. Discuss and connect their interests and goals to the work and action steps necessary to achieve them.
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Remember that YOU are your child’s first teacher, and as a parent, you are also their chief communicator, planner, and advocate. Be present and volunteer. Your child will receive a better education if you are seen and heard consistently. Parent voice is parent power!