Assistant Editor
Now that the new school year is in session, parents who were breathing a sigh of relief at watching their children return to class are already inundated with requests to attend PTA meetings, help with fundraisers and buy everything the kids insist that "everyone has this year."
Balancing family life with school can seem overwhelming, but parents can remember a few simple ways to become involved with their child's education to ensure a successful school year:
* Listen. How often do we get wrapped up in our own "adult" problems and forget the very real concerns of children, who often hesitate to tell parents what's bothering them? A child brushed off until "later, honey" may become a child who feels she can't come to you with her worries about school.Children often insist that if parents only let them skip classes, wear the latest fashions and agree never to chaperon school functions, their time in school would be much more pleasant. However, as Catholics, we're called not just to pay our children's way through school -- but to pave it.* Attend those PTA meetings. If you worry about what your child is learning in school, take an active part in making decisions about it. Read the letters sent home by your child's school; talk to other parents; go to meetings where you can ask questions. An involved parent is an informed parent -- and children who realize that their parents know the important issues at their school are proud of that fact, even when they don't let you know.
* Show your pride. Don't wait until report cards to find out how your child is doing in school. Children try harder at schoolwork when they're encouraged for doing their best, and supported when they have trouble. Don't be ashamed to go to football games or get a tutor for struggling students; even children who feel embarrassed about it know when their parents are doing all they can to help them succeed.
* Most importantly, live your faith. It's unrealistic to expect children to attend school -- even a Catholic school -- and develop an active faith life, if they come home to a family that rarely attends Mass, never prays together or wouldn't be caught dead talking about what they believe. Ask your children what they have learned in religion classes; discuss your thoughts. For Catholic-schoolers, suggest school projects such as making Rosaries that your family can use afterward. Pray together. If your child attends Catholic school, explain why you sent them there. If you choose religious education classes, don't tell your children, "You can stop going after your Confirmation." Make faith the focus of family life, not something for Sunday mornings.