Parent to Parent: Mid-year Slump

WSVN -- Dominique Brooks is a fairly good student who was excited about school.

Dominque Brooks: "Learning with your friends makes school more fun. I learn a lot of new things, but when I try to like comprehend it, it's a little hard for me."

Her mom Michele got concerned when her grades started to slip.

Michele Murphy: "She really was struggling in English 2 really badly. At one point she actually failed. Another class she was getting like a D, D plus so I know she needed the help."

7's Parenting Expert Dr. Valerie says many kids suffer from what's called the mid-year slump.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "You start to see a gentle slide down, a gentle decline."

The good news, it's normal.

Dr. Valerie: "By the time they've returned after winter holiday, you've noticed they're not really bringing home all their books anymore."

But there are some easy fixes.

First, try to capture that "beginning of the school year excitement" by buying some new supplies.

Dr. Valerie: "Go out and start all over again. You start new. Go buy the notebooks again, reorganize. It's a great time to do so."

Have your child reorganize their book bag and their desk.

And, parents, take a look at yourself.

Dr. Valerie: "Parents also stop asking their children, 'Do you have homework? What's going on in school?'"

Another good option: Get involved in your child's school, volunteer to chaperone or go to events. It shows your child you are interested in their education.

But, Dr. Valerie cautions that if your child's grades are slipping, it may be time for some professional help.

Michele Murphy: "It was suggested to me to, you know, at least get her tested to find out where she was lacking or if there was a skill that she missed."

Michele enrolled her daughter in Sylvan Learning Center.

Dominique: "I really have better grades, but I feel comfortable, a lot more comfortable in school. I open up a lot, and I volunteer more in class."

Lynn Martinez: "Dr. Valerie does say most kids won't need tutoring, but parents need to talk to their child and the teacher to determine if grades are slipping because of lack of interest or because they are having trouble with classes."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Sylvan Learning Center
2246 N. University Drive
Coral Springs, FL 33071
954-575-7410
www.educate.com 

IF YOU HAVE A CONCERN DR. VALLERIE CAN HELP, E-MAIL US AT:

www.parent@wsvn.com