Transcripts

Judy Cohen:
I usually find that children with parents who are involved seem to do better in school. They feel that their parents are taking an active interest so therefore school must be important.

High school guidance counselor, Judy Cohen, author of the book, From The Guidance Counselor's Office…

I really wish that parents would realize that we're all in this together. And that they wouldn't be defensive sometimes when we call and say that we think that your kid has a problem. I wish that parents would come to school for meetings;would also sit down with their children when their kids come home from school. Find out what the homework is; go over it with their children. Set up a schedule for their kids; find a good place for them to study. And show a complete interest in what your child is doing.

Judy says there are signs to watch out for that your child is having trouble at school.

If the kid has been a good student and all of a sudden the grades start going down, that's a problem. The child lies in bed all day long, doesn't want to come to school, maybe his friends have changed, if there's any kind of change in his attitude.

When parents just show interest, Judy says, it really makes a difference.

I mean sometimes you'll say to a boy, a boy particularly." What'd you do today? Nothing. Who'd you see? Kids. Where are you going? Out. When will you be home? Later." Whereas a girl will tell you tons and tons of stuff. Well that's just the nature of the beast. But, by your even asking those questions at least your son knows that you're interested. And I think that's important.

At somethingyoushouldknow.net I'm Mike Carruthers and that's Something You Should Know.