Page 145 - The Intentional Parent

other hand, parents choose to take an active part in their children's lives, the impact of what is seen on television will be minimal. That concept is not derived from research, just simple common sense.
SCHOOL, HOMEWORK, FRIENDS
When children begin school, a whole new set of issues emerges. One large issue for many parents is how much help to give their children on homework and school projects. Most parents feel that their children's schoolwork is a reflection on them—how well their home is run, how smart they are. Some parents become active and very involved, sometimes even too involved. Other parents don't spend enough time communicating with teachers and keeping on top of their children's work habits.
These days parents have to be strong advocates for their children. It is important to get a good sense of where
your kids' teachers are coming from. Hopefully, more times than not, you will find that teachers are compassionate, dedicated human beings. You might occasionally find, however, that a teacher does not have your child's best interest in mind, and then you will have to act. Here is a collection of concerns that parents have shared with me about school, teachers, homework, and friends.
READING AT AN EARLY AGE
My three-year-old child is very interested in reading. She will sit and look at the pictures in books for hours and can quickly memorize stories and "read" the stories back. I was wondering if I should start teaching her to read using flash cards. Do you think this would be too much for her?
The Intentional Parent by Peter J. Favaro, Ph.D. 145