Raising Smart Kids For Dummies

by Brill, Marlene Targ

• ISBN13: 9780764517655
• ISBN10: 0764517651
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-05-30
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

So, you wanna turn Junior into a smarty-pants? What parent doesn't? Thing is, kids nowadays are more independent than ever and aren't always receptive to what parents want. In fact, if you tell your kids that studying is "good for them," they're more than likely to mumble, "Yeah, sure," in your general direction and head off to do something "fun."Sharpening the minds of your youngsters presents more challenges than climbing Mt. Everest, and the responsibility of making your kids use more of their brain cells can be overwhelming even when you don't encounter resistance. Raising smart kids requires long-term commitment, sacrifice, and diligence not to mention the patience of a saint. And as long as you don't obsess about being the perfect parent, you will be able to enjoy your kids' journey of self-discovery right along with them.But how do you accomplish this? How do you overcome the resistance? How do you tackle the overwhelming task of not only helping your children succeed in school, but also increasing their ability to make their own way in the world? That's where Raising Smart Kids For Dummies steps in to help.Written in easy-to-understand terms (and absolutely no slick psycho-babble), this book gives you sound advice on encouraging your kids to set their sights high and achieve success, whether at school, with friends, or in your community. And you don't have to be a new parent to gain insight from this book; experienced parents can reap rewards with the help of this book in their effort to raise fulfilled children.Here's just a sampling of what you'll find in Raising Smart Kids For Dummies: Recognizing the characteristics of smart kids Knowing when to push and when not to Disciplining your kids in a positive way Growing smarter kids from healthier bodies Planning the development of your kids' brains: From newborns to teenagers Taking your smart kids beyond high school Eliminating brain drain from school-skipping, drug abuse, and raging hormones Top Ten lists of family characteristics that nurture smart kids, what smart kids read, and resources for bolstering parents' confidence You've heard it said a thousand times: The children are the future. Children have such potential, but rarely live up to it. Why take this chance with your own kids? Make the commitment to prepare your kids for life on their own. With Raising Smart Kids For Dummies, you, too, can achieve success and have a little fun along the way!

Author Biography

Marlene Targ Brill has written 50 books for and about children. She holds a master’s degree in early childhood education and has spent years teaching smart kids of all ages.

Table of Contents

lntroduction	1	(6)
About This Book	1	(1)
Conventions Used in This Book	2	(1)
Foolish Assumptions	2	(1)
How This Book Is Organized	3	(1)
Part I: Getting Off to a Good start	3	(1)
Part II: The Early Years: Birth to Kindergarten	3	(1)
Part III: The Eager-to-Learn Years: Elementary School	3	(1)
Part IV: The Know-It-All Years: Middle School and High School	4	(1)
Part V: The Part of Tens	4	(1)
Icons Used in This Book	4	(1)
Where to Go from Here	5	(2)
Part 1: Getting Off to a Good Start	7	(58)
Chapter 1: Defining smarts	9	(10)
Recognizing Characteristics of Smart Kids	9	(8)
Nothing beats drive	10	(2)
Willingness to work works magic	12	(1)
Optimism keeps kids going	13	(1)
Creativity opens doors	14	(1)
Friends fuel success	15	(1)
Remembering real-world smarts	16	(1)
Keeping Kids Smart As They Grow	17	(2)
Chapter 2: Realizing That You Can Raise a Brain	19	(16)
Assessing What You Already Know	19	(2)
Taking a Look at Other Parents' Tricks of the Trade	21	(2)
Communicating with family elders	21	(2)
Checking out how other parents handle behaviors	23	(1)
Dispelling Parenting Myths	23	(1)
Getting a Handle on Growth and Development	24	(1)
Evaluating Whether You're Pushing Too Hard	25	(1)
Opening Doors to Success	26	(6)
Building self-concept from day one	27	(1)
Connecting with family	28	(2)
Setting a positive tone	30	(2)
Accepting Your Role as Teacher	32	(3)
Practicing what you preach	32	(1)
Managing parent ego: Yes, yours!	33	(2)
Chapter 3: Disciplining in a Positive Way	35	(14)
Accentuating the Positive	35	(4)
Disciplining for fun and family peace	36	(1)
Traveling the behavior-shaping road	37	(1)
Letting natural consequences do their job	38	(1)
Troubleshooting When Kids Misbehave (And You're Tearing Your Hair Out)	39	(7)
Arranging for kids to do the right thing	39	(1)
Turning misbehavior around with a planned approach	40	(3)
Choosing your battles	43	(1)
Overlooking the negative	44	(1)
Timing a time-out	44	(2)
Taking Advantage of Teachable Moments	46	(3)
Organize learning step by step	46	(1)
Capitalizing on basic principles of learning	47	(2)
Chapter 4: Growing Smarter Minds from Healthier Bodies	49	(16)
Keeping Your Kids Physically Healthy	49	(5)
Scheduling regular checkups and immunizations	50	(3)
Testing vision	53	(1)
Testing speech and hearing	53	(1)
Examining teeth and gums	54	(1)
Feeding Brain Cells	54	(5)
Choosing brain foods	55	(2)
Handling fussy eaters	57	(2)
Walk, Run, Hop: Making Fitness Part of Your Kids' Lives	59	(3)
Knowing why fitness builds brighter kids	59	(1)
Getting physical education at school	60	(1)
Creating a fit, healthy environment at home	61	(1)
Ensuring That Kids Get Enough Zzzs	62	(5)
Judging when enough is enough	63	(1)
Looking for signs of sleep deprivation	63	(2)
Part II: The Early Years: Birth to Kindergarten	65	(82)
Chapter 5: Before Your Baby Is Born	67	(10)
Enjoying a Positive Pregnancy	67	(6)
Choosing wisely for your baby	68	(3)
Eating for two	71	(2)
Revving Up Baby in the Womb	73	(4)
Kicking to the beat	73	(2)
Reading to your belly button	75	(2)
Chapter 6: Energizing Your Baby through the Senses	77	(16)
Becoming a Brain Architect	77	(2)
Including Random Acts of Play (An Infant's Daily Work Routine)	79	(4)
Sensing life	79	(1)
Positioning infants	80	(2)
Exercising your baby	82	(1)
Decorating Your Baby's Room	83	(5)
Spending time in the crib	85	(1)
Changing the changing table	85	(1)
Going from crib to floor	86	(1)
Gettin' comfy with your own chair	86	(1)
Naming objects	86	(1)
Sprucing up the walls	87	(1)
Recognizing color theory	87	(1)
Containing yourself	87	(1)
Talking to Your Baby - Even Though She Can't Talk Back'	88	(1)
Reading to Your Baby	89	(4)
Recognizing the value of reading aloud	89	(1)
Reading aloud and acting silly for beginners	90	(1)
Encouraging a reluctant reader	91	(2)
Chapter 7: Pumping Up Your Smart Toddler/Preschooler	93	(14)
Learning to Play, Playing to Learn	93	(5)
Playing outside: Moving muscles and building confidence	94	(2)
Selecting smart indoor toys	96	(1)
Doing nothing and loving it	97	(1)
Talking, Talking, and More Talking	98	(1)
Listening to Your Child	99	(3)
Reading to Your Whirlwind	102	(5)
Beating the drum for early reading	102	(1)
Hunting for good toddler/preschool books	103	(4)
Chapter 8: Setting Boundaries That Matter	107	(12)
Drawing Lines in the Sand: Identifying Priorities	107	(6)
Allowing choices: Yours and yours	108	(2)
Making the most of "1 can do it myself"	110	(2)
Respecting sane and silly fears and ideas	112	(1)
Rearranging Bedrooms for Growth and Learning	113	(2)
Trusting Toddlers and Their Preschool Partners in Crime	115	(4)
Chapter 9: You're Not Alone! Finding Help and support	119	(16)
Going Places with Your Little One	119	(3)
Play groups	119	(1)
Co-op programs	120	(1)
Drop-in centers and resource centers	120	(1)
Recreation classes	121	(1)
Dealing with Day Care	122	(7)
Looking at the pros and cons of child care	122	(1)
Identifying the range of day-care situations	123	(1)
Finding a smart match	124	(1)
Choosing safe and stimulating child care	125	(4)
Attending Pint-Size School: Preschool	129	(6)
Knowing what to expect	130	(1)
Preparing for the first day of school	131	(4)
Chapter 10: Preparing for Big-Kid School	135	(12)
Positioning school as Number One	135	(1)
Building Readiness for School	136	(7)
Recognizing social skills that smart preschoolers need	137	(1)
Taking care of personal business	138	(1)
Getting specific with academic readiness	139	(1)
Teaching street smarts	140	(2)
Assigning chores that build smarts	142	(1)
Recognizing the value of pets	143	(1)
Getting a Leg Up: Kindergarten Retention	143	(2)
Being alert to harmful trends	144	(1)
Bucking trends	145	(1)
Advocating for Your Child	145	(2)
Part III: The Eager-to-Learn Years: Elementary School	147	(98)
Chapter 11: Nurturing Your Smart Student at Home	149	(20)
Becoming Too Intense about Smartness	149	(1)
Exercising Your Child's Brain	150	(19)
Reading together	150	(4)
Writing for the fun of it	154	(2)
Managing math wizards	156	(2)
Thinking like a scientist	158	(2)
Exploring history and geography from home	160	(2)
Discovering the arts together	162	(3)
Taking lessons and extra classes	165	(4)
Chapter 12: Monitoring Media	169	(12)
Choosing Smart Electronic Media	169	(5)
Understanding media imperfections	170	(1)
Limiting the TV monster	171	(2)
Deciding whether to buy the must-have video game	173	(1)
Using the Internet: The Good, the Bad - and What to Do about It	174	(7)
Getting conned by chat room users	176	(2)
Using computer common sense	178	(3)
Chapter 13: Launching Lifelong Study Habits	181	(18)
Positioning Schoolwork as Number One at Home	181	(1)
Devising a Homework-Friendly Environment	182	(3)
Deciding on the best time to work	183	(1)
Stocking up on necessary supplies	184	(1)
Making the Most of Homework	185	(7)
Knowing how much to be involved	185	(2)
Debating the right amount of homework	187	(1)
Troubleshooting homework problems	188	(4)
Preparing for Tests	192	(7)
Getting ready for tests	192	(2)
Looking at different kinds of tests	194	(5)
Chapter 14: Connecting with School	199	(16)
Analyzing Grades and Homework	200	(2)
The good, the bad, and the ugly about grades	200	(1)
Reacting to grades graciously	201	(1)
Evaluating Your Genius's smarts	202	(7)
Dispelling myths about IQ	203	(1)
With-it versus gifted	204	(3)
Staying behind - or not	207	(2)
Communicating with Teachers	209	(3)
Keeping up with everyday business	209	(2)
Preparing for the hot seat: Parent-teacher conferences	211	(1)
Going to School: Participating and Volunteering	212	(3)
Chapter 15: Developing Smarts for Success Outside of School	215	(20)
Getting Along with Family and Friends	215	(6)
Changing loyalties	216	(1)
Eliminating shyness	217	(2)
Finding ten smart ways to treat friends	219	(2)
Adding Responsibilities	221	(1)
Participating in Extra Activities	222	(6)
Getting out and about: Valuable or troublesome?	222	(1)
Creating creativity from boredom	223	(2)
Dealing with competition	225	(1)
Guarding girl brain power	226	(2)
Appreciating the Value of Money	228	(7)
Sharing the economics of running a family	228	(3)
Giving allowance: Art or science7	231	(4)
Chapter 16: Deciding to Switch Learning Situations	235	(10)
Reviewing Your Child's ABCs :	235	(3)
Choosing Another School	238	(2)
Embarking on a new school treasure hunt	239	(1)
Deciding on public versus nonpublic school	239	(1)
Weighing your options	239	(1)
Surviving New-School Blues	240	(2)
Schooling at Home: The Cozy Alternative	242	(5)
Visiting the pros and cons of home schooling	242	(1)
Taking the home-schooling plunge	242	(3)
Part IV: The Know-It-All Years: Middle School and High School	245	(40)
Chapter 17: Working with the Teenage Psyche	247	(10)
Admitting That You Have a Different Species in the House	247	(4)
Understanding preteen behavior	248	(1)
Knowing your teenager	248	(1)
Keeping in mind that the hormones make them do it	249	(2)
Remembering Parenting Skills That Should Never Change	251	(6)
Chapter 18: Eliminating Brain Drains	257	(12)
Skipping School-Skipping	257	(1)
Reversing Slipping Grades	258	(1)
Ending Substance Abuse	259	(3)
Preventing substance abuse	260	(1)
Beating back the addiction monster	261	(1)
Taming the Hostile Teen Beast	262	(1)
Separating Your Teen from the Anti-Education Crowd	263	(2)
Dealing with Failed Relationships	265	(1)
Holding Off Raging Hormones	266	(3)
Educating	266	(1)
Imparting wisdom	267	(2)
Chapter 19: Thinking Beyond High School	269	(16)
Transforming Interests into Career Options	269	(5)
Taking classes outside school	270	(1)
Volunteering for fun and experience	270	(2)
Considering a mentor, an internship, or an apprenticeship	272	(1)
Working outside of school	273	(1)
Approaching Dreaded Interviews	274	(1)
Deciding on College - or Not	275	(8)
Hunting for the right college	276	(1)
Checking in with college counselors	276	(1)
Deciding to be undecided	277	(1)
Attending college recruitment events	278	(1)
Knowing what to look for	278	(3)
Easing the application process	281	(1)
Helping your teen stay sane during trying times	282	(1)
Packing bags and helping your darling prepare for college	283	(1)
Letting Go: The Hardest Part about Being a Smart Parent	283	(2)
Part V: The Part of Tens	285	(32)
Chapter 20: Ten Family Characteristics That Nurture Smart Kids	287	(6)
Willing to Go the Extra Mile for Each Other	287	(1)
Respecting Each Other	288	(1)
Delighting in Each Other	288	(1)
Communicating with Each Other	288	(1)
Growing from Each Other and from Mistakes	289	(1)
Sharing your wisdom with your kids	289	(1)
Learning from your kids	289	(1)
Valuing Effort, Not Product	289	(1)
Solving Problems Together	290	(1)
Creating an Environment that Values Learning	290	(1)
Reacting Well to Successes and Failures	291	(1)
Showing and Saying, "I Love You"	291	(2)
Chapter 21: Ten Popular Reads from Preschool to Teen Years	293	(14)
Playing with Non-Boring Board Books	293	(2)
Reading-Aloud Books	295	(2)
Engaging Primary-Graders with Books	297	(1)
Looking into Longer Easy Readers and Short Chapter Books	298	(2)
Appealing to Middle-Graders through Books	300	(1)
Jumping into Jr. High (Ages 12-15) with Books	301	(1)
Knowing Classics that High School Expects	302	(1)
Turning on High Schoolers to Reading	303	(1)
Choosing Magazines to Read	304	(3)
Chapter 22: Ten Resources That Bolster Parent Confidence	307	(10)
Finding Out More about Pregnancy	307	(1)
Reading Your Way through Parenthood	308	(1)
Locating a Parenting Magazine	309	(1)
Surfing for the Perfect Parenting Web sites	309	(2)
Behaving like a kid	309	(1)
Hooking into parent-education topics	309	(1)
Raising a ruckus about school	310	(1)
Keeping Kids Healthy and safe	311	(2)
Knowing when to call the doctor	311	(1)
Childproofing for baby's sake	311	(1)
Deciding whether to vaccinate	312	(1)
Emphasizing street smarts	312	(1)
Preventing substance abuse and eating disorders	312	(1)
Finding gender-neutral information	312	(1)
Identifying Gifted Resources	313	(1)
Finding special Needs Information	313	(1)
Targeting specific Parent Groups	314	(1)
Finding Educational Toys and Books	315	(1)
Planning Fun and Well-Rounded Activities	316	(1)
Index	317