ABCs of Raising Smarter Kids  
 
By Joanne Foster, Ed.D.
www.joannefoster.ca
Illustrated by Christine Thammavongsa
 
Here is a list of a dozen important questions for parents to consider. These are not just simple “yes/no” questions (which would tend to generate simple yes/no answers). Rather, they are “in what ways” questions, designed to help parents think about how they’re already being supportive, and what they might want to consider going forward. 

1. In what ways do I demonstrate that I am an active and attentive listener?
2. In what ways do I demonstrate resilience, perseverance, and a healthy perspective on the ups and downs of daily life?
3. In what ways do I pay attention to the different factors that could have an impact on my children’s cognitive, emotional, social, or behavioral development?
4. In what ways do I try to ensure that my children are appropriately challenged at school?
5. In what ways do I regularly seek information about encouraging high-level development?
6. In what ways do I expose my children to experiences that encourage play, exploration, sharing, communication, independence, and learning—in response to their individual abilities, interests, and needs?
7. In what ways do I foster my children’s social skills and emotional development?
   
8. In what ways do I advocate for the most appropriate academic opportunities (ones that suit domain-specific levels of advancement) for my children and others?
9. In what ways do I encourage my children to self-advocate for their own educational needs?
10.  In what ways do I collaborate with teachers, consultants, other parents, and members of the community to create robust and engaging learning environments?
11. In what ways do I encourage my children’s creative expression?
12. In what ways do I celebrate my children’s successes with them?
    
    Most importantly, parents can question their own assumptions, inferences, and perceptions. They can also explore how to fortify their own support networks, how to look after themselves better, and how to continue strengthening the parent-child relationship.
    

This is the tip of the iceberg! Order ABCs today- be inspired!!