74% of Irish children look forward to going back to school, while a staggering 83% of parents admit that they look forward to September 1st when children are back in the classroom, according to the Kellogg’s Back to School survey. Parents polled said they look forward to the new school term because it brings a return to routine and discipline for the family (87%), because they find it hard to keep the kids entertained during the summer months (49%), and because of the difficulty in arranging childcare during the summer (24%). While 19% of parents admit that they rejoice in the return of ‘more freedom’ for themselves!

The survey of 500 parents also reveals, that Irish parents want their kids to be happy and to be the best that they can be. For most parents high academic achievement is not the most important thing for children to achieve at school – an ability to socialize and interact with other people was the preferred goal, selected by 40% of respondents, 27% felt a sense of responsibility and discipline was important, while 19% thought that a robust character to help them cope in the real world is the most important life skill for children to learn. Only 14% of parents surveyed choose strong academic results as their benchmark for success.”
 

Commenting on the results of the annual Kellogg’s Back to School survey, Clinical Psychologist, David Coleman said: “I am encouraged that this survey demonstrates that most Irish parents want their children to be the best that they can be and that only a minority of parents assess this in terms of high academic achievement. It is important that all kids are encouraged to make the best effort that they can make in the school environment and that they are rewarded and recognised for the effort that they make, whether it be on the sports field, in the classroom or in the school yard.”
 
80% of parents surveyed, say that listening to their children and asking them about their day is how they make sure their kids have a good day at school. While 97% say making sure that children have breakfast before they leave the house is how they ensure that there is a good start to the day, according new research published by Kellogg’s today.

According to David Coleman there are a number of simple tips which parents can employ to ensure that their children are equipped to do their best at school.

Make sure that children get a good nights sleep so they have energy for the next day
Establish the school-day routine as soon as possible. Plan the day, as much as possible, from waking and breakfast, through to homework, down-time and bedtime.
Stay involved in your child’s homework; they need the support and the structure
Don’t overload your child – keep ‘after-school’ activities to a sensible number
Show interest in your child’s school day, their friends, their activities, their worries and their hopes
Focus on the effort they put in more than the outcome they achieve
Demonstrate the value you place in education by being positive about school, teachers and the opportunities that education can bring.
 

Comments