Want Your Child to Succeed? Parents, Stop Doing These Five Things

Watching your child struggle with math problems or daydream while trying to get through an assigned reading project can be tough on a parent. As tempting as it may be to just jump in and give your child the answers, or read the story and tell them all the details, DON'T! As difficult as it may be parents, lending a helping hand by pointing them in the right direction - without doing the problems for them! - is the best option. It's best to let your child figure things out by themselves - even though they may fail once or twice - or even ask the teacher for extra help.

It's good to get your child interested in a variety of things. But if you are planning YOUR life around the schedule of your children, you are only asking for additional stress. Instead, only sign them up for activities they are TRULY interested in and will be dedicated to. And remember to not let other over-planning parents try to sway you from that decision.

It has become quite easy for parents to open up their lap-top and just "shoot off a quick email to the teacher." But it may be time to fold-up that lap-top, moms and dads, and let the teacher do their job. If there is something that needs to be addressed, that teacher will probably send an email to YOU, first.

I understand this one! School projects need parent-volunteers, or many times, the project doesn't get done. And I believe that a parent should volunteer for events at their child's school - just not EVERYTHING. Whether they want to admit it or not, students are okay with seeing their parents helping out at school events. But don't over commit yourself, parents! Know your limits and avoid extra stress for yourself and your children and remember that it's okay to say "no" sometimes.

This could be the most important! Don't let the feelings of guilt take over because you don't have time to make two dozen cupcakes for the bake sale, which is tomorrow! Don't feel guilty because you don't have time to be the coach of your child's basketball team! So what? Give yourself a break, do the best you can and just love your kids!