The ABC’s of Parenting: Attitude

Attitude

“There's very little difference in people.

But that little difference makes a big difference.

The little difference is attitude.

The BIG DIFFERENCE is whether it is positive or negative.”

W. Clement Stone

During the first year that I was Principal, I learned very quickly that my attitude not only made a difference in my day, but that of the teachers and students at the school. I read this great quote that first year, “When the Principal sneezes, everyone catches a cold.” I’m not sure who said it, but I think it is a great quote and one that works just as well for parents.

Graduation Etiquette

Graduation Etiquette Tips

During the month of May many schools hold graduation ceremonies, from high school and college graduations to eighth grade and kindergarten graduations. As a school administrator, I have spent the last 14 years guiding students, teachers and parents through the graduation process. Along the way, I have learned a few etiquette tips and tricks; and a few etiquette boo-boo’s. Graduation is a very important event in every child’s life. To make your child’s graduation experience memorable, it is important that both you and your child understand correct graduation etiquette.

Here are 7 graduation etiquette tips:

ü  If you receive an announcement or invitation to graduation, it is polite to RSVP that you are or are not attending. This allows the parents of the graduate to save seats for you at the ceremony. If there is a party planned later, the parents need to know.

Get Caught Reading Month

May is Get Caught Reading Month

Spending time reading with your child is one of the most important things you can do as a family. Besides the fact that you are reinforcing reading and building reading skills, spending time reading gives you valuable one-to-one time with your child.

I am talking about actually reading together.  I was sitting in a restaurant the other day with my husband, when I looked over and noticed a father and son sitting at a table close by. They were both reading…however, they were both reading their own I-Pads, separately. There was no interaction or conversation going on between the two. That is not what I call reading together.

What does RSVP mean?

Simple Parent Tips – The Meaning of RSVP

Last week I received an invitation through the mail to a retirement party for a friend. At the end of the invitation was printed, “Please RSVP with the number attending by May 16.” In this day of email invitations, the use of RSVP is seen less and less. However, I think it is important for children and teenagers to understand the etiquette and meaning behind RSVP.

RSVP, which is French, translates to repondez s’il vous plait or in plain old English, please let me know if you are coming.

Responding to RSVP is a simple courtesy often forgotten. Most of the time you can respond to an RSVP request through a phone call or email. However, with formal invitations, such as weddings, the response is generally in the form of a response card.

When you take the time to tell the host you are coming, you give her the opportunity to plan the event much more easily and efficiently. Informing the host allows her to accurately plan for the type and amount of food, and for the number of chairs and tables to provide.

Next time you or your child receives an invitation take a moment to respond to the RSVP. Your host will be pleasantly surprised.

National Teacher Appreciation Week

Teachers are some of the hardest working people I know. As a teacher myself, in years past, I am very aware of all of the additional preparation and work that goes on during the weekends, summers and in the evenings.

Many people think teachers have an easy job. They say teachers have summers off, all the major holidays off, fall break, spring break and Christmas break. However, what no one realizes is that for many teachers that time is spent in preparation for the upcoming semester or school year.