It can be very hard sometimes to tell if your child is having problems at school, at least until reports cards come Unfortunately, most schools only offer very minimal information about coursework and expectations and of course talking about school may not be something that our kids want to do with you every day. This makes it difficult for parents to judge how well their children is mastering the material.

Here are some quick tips which can help you check up on your child's schoolwork without having to wait for report-card time:

1. Talk to your child about her classwork. Does she feel confident? Does she say whether she is keeping up or feels behind the rest of the kids?
2. Take notice of any comments that the teacher is giving on the papers. 
3. Check the work that your child brings home each day. You may have to dig through crumpled papers at the bottom of her backpack. Ask what assignments her teacher is giving the class.
4. Do not be afraid to talk to your child's teacher. Schedule a meeting if need be.
5. Most of the time the teacher will send home progress reports in between report cards. Are you getting them? If not then be sure to keep up with your child's reports from now on.

Many children have already started school, some, like my kids start next week right after Labor Day. Many kids too will be starting a new school. You may have great reasons for moving — a much better job, better schools, closer to family, etc. But whatever your reason, moving is almost always hard on your children. In fact, Cincinnati pediatrician Dr. Mona Mansour found in a study that children who change schools frequently are more likely to have both academic and behavioral issues. Fortunately, you can help your children adjust to their new schools and make the transition easier.  Here are a few ideas.

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