March 08, 2018
(HealthDay News) -- Students who feel a like they belong at
school have a greater chance of doing well and staying there, the
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
Research confirms that children who feel "connected" to school
are more likely to get better grades, stay in school longer, have
higher test scores and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors
such as smoking, drinking, having sex or carrying a gun, the agency
says.
The CDC suggests:
- Encourage your child to talk openly with you, teachers,
counselors, and other school staff about his or her ideas, needs
and worries.
- Find out what the school expects of your child by talking to
teachers and staff, attending school meetings and reading
information the school sends home.
- Help your child with homework, and teach the child
time-management skills.
- Encourage your child to help others at home, at school and in
the community.
- Meet regularly with your child's teachers to discuss his or her
grades, behavior and accomplishments.
- Help in your child's classroom, attend after-school events or
participate in a school committee.
- Offer to share aspects of your culture with your child's
class.