they are concerned about their child’s success. I encourage teachers to work with parents in a respectful and diplo- matic way, without becoming defen- sive or taking anything too personally; I remind them that parents are often just nervous.


What advice do you have for parents of young children?


Encourage learning via this wonder- ful, natural world. Children are natural theologians, biologists, seekers of social justice, artists, poets and above all, explorers and inventors. We serve chil- dren well if we see them as seeds that came in a packet without a label. Our job is to provide sufficient food and water and pull the biggest weeds. We don’t know what kind of flower we’ll get or when it will bloom.


How can parents foster learning and success in all of their children at home?


A big piece of a parent’s responsibility is to clearly see each of their children for who they are, independent of parental preconceptions and dreams, and to foster that individual’s strengths and enthusiasm for life, instead of struggling to fit him or her into soci- ety’s narrow definitions of success. A snapshot taken of a child today should not be confused with the epic movie of his or her entire life.


Good parents model balance; but the default position in our culture has become overindulgence, overprotec- tion, overscheduling and expectations of perfection. When parents pick their kids up from school, instead of cross- examining them about test scores and who they sat with at lunch, a mom or dad can share something delightful about their own day; something inter- esting they saw or did or thought that reminded them of their son or daugh- ter. Communicate that it’s a pleasure to be a parent and an adult. Show them that as grownups, we continue to learn new things. Inspire them to want to be happy adults and parents.


Meredith Montgomery is the publisher of Natural Awakenings Mobile/Baldwin, AL (HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com).


C


Championing a Broader Vision of Success


by Meredith Montgomery


hallenge Success (ChallengeSuccess.org), a project of Stanford Uni- versity’s School of Education, works with schools, parents and youths to develop and institute customized action plans to improve student well-being and engagement. According to the nonprofit organization’s co- founder, Denise Pope, Ph.D., “We recognize the great pressure being put on today’s kids in regard to performance, tests and grades. Unfortunately, this is keeping many of them from becoming resilient, motivated, active contribu- tors in society. Our initiative provides a voice of reason, translating research into actions that allow students to thrive.”


Offerings include practical and engaging classes, online courses and videos for parents that help them learn best practices for their children. As one example, “We encourage parents to avoid overscheduling,” says Pope. “Every child needs playtime, downtime and family time every day.” For schools seeking reform, Challenge Success offers dynamic confer- ences in which a team of administrators, teachers, parents and students, led by a consulting coach, creates site-specific strategies for change.


Proven tips for fostering balance at home:


Have fun: Unstructured playtime for young children is important, as is free time for teens to socialize and pursue hobbies.


Relax: Permit time for rest and rejuvenation. Encourage self-directed relax- ation through reading and playing or listening to music, while moderating screen time.


Connect as a family: Aim for at least 20 minutes of daily family time. Enjoy meals together, consider going for a family walk or designate an “unplugged” time for everyone.


Ideas for schools and teachers to explore:


Revise school schedules and homework policies. Consider block schedules, trimesters or a later start to the school day. Schedule quarterly “no homework” nights and/or “off weeks”, when no testing is allowed.


Emphasize projects and problem-based learning. Achievement improves when students are engaged in hands-on learning. Make daily assignments rel- evant to students’ lives and try assigning a final project in lieu of a final exam.


Explore alternative and authentic forms of assessment. Because not all students perform well on tests, multiple forms of assessment, such as narra- tive reports, writing assignments or creative projects, can augment scores to more effectively reveal where teachers need to focus attention.


Enhance the climate of care. Encourage positive student/faculty relation- ships, so that teachers are approachable and accessible. Establish stress reduction and relaxation techniques, plus mindfulness activities.


Educate students, parents and teachers to work together. Sponsor profes- sional development workshops for faculty on the causes of student stress and coping strategies. Empower students to find the “right fit” college or post-sec- ondary path, while debunking the myth that there is only one path to success.


natural awakenings August 2012 41


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