Paul Messam, Contributor

Children enjoying a game of 'London Bridges'. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Rearing children is not easy as ABC. It is difficult and demanding. It is drawing out of the youngsters the best they have to give. Great success, however, depends on the role of the home, the school, the church, and the community. From the very beginning of their education, children should experience 'the joy of discovery'.

How can parents better prepare themselves and help their children perform at their full potential in school?

Educators and psychologists may differ in relation to the importance they would attach to the various needs of the young child. However, it is reasonable to suggest that in addition to physical needs such as food, protection and clothing most lists are likely to include the valued need for love and affection.

Barbara Owen, educator, offers 12 creative ways to help your children in school:

1 Avoid comparing your children. It is neither good nor positive. Remember that some children learn faster than others. Let your children know that in spite of, you love them anyway. Talk with your children to improve their diction. It will be easier for them to learn to read and understand.

2 Listen carefully and lovingly to your children. Encourage them to talk about their concerns, issues, and activities. Children will learn and feel comfortable expressing themselves if they know they have your attention.

3 Assist your children in choosing appropriate television programmes. Watch with them and later discuss what was seen - high points, likes and dislikes.

4 Take your children on tours to interesting places. Visit the airport, the zoo, Port Royal and its historical sites, art galleries, museums, the parish library, the newspaper companies, radio and television stations, to name a few.

5 Endeavour to read with your children, not only to them. If they interrupt with questions or comments, no problem, interruptions are subtle signals that children are making valid connections.

6 Find quality time to help your children when hey have difficulty reading. Have them read clearly to you. By doing so, it will give them confidence and a greater understanding of what they have just read.

7 Make sure that a wide variety of reading materials are available in the home for them to read. So they will 'learn to read and so read to learn'.

8 Try to get your children interested in some of the news and current affairs in newspapers, and on radio and television. Clip articles from magazines and books that will appeal to them.

9 Keep and encourage them to be healthy and clean at all times. Provide a quiet place for them to study. Set a standard bedtime and stick to it.

10 Utilise the family mealtime wisely. Let it be a time of friendly sharing of problems from all angles and persons. This will be a booster shot as it will encourage them to speak up and out appropriately in the classroom.

11 Do not be afraid to shower them with praises when and where necessary.

12 Be patient, avoid shouting and pouting and showing disrespect or signs of it, if mistakes are made or expectations by the children are fond wanting.