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Parent Websites and Information Articles I've Authored Did you ever think that family dinners could make such an impact? Read the statistics!

Summer is an excellent time to maintain what students have already learned and prevent learning loss!

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__** Conversation or Silence?? **__ Ever struggled to engage your child in meaningful conversation? The dinner table is an excellent place to start and may even eliminate bickering between siblings. You probably want to establish some ground rules first to better enhance listening skills. These could be no interuptions, no comments, only positive facial expressions or none, and only clarifying questions are allowed. To facilitate an open discussion and for the sake of encouragement, it's best not to use this time for advising, suggesting, or judging. This is a great time to model listening skills, giving your full attention to your children.

Here are some topics you might find useful to keep the lines of communication open, giving you a glimpse into each child's heart and mind. Start with an easy topic that everyone will enjoy. Be patient. This type of mindful conversation takes practice.
 * What are some ways our family can show generosity to others?
 * If you could be a teacher, what subject would you teach and how would you make learning fun?
 * What are your favorite ways to relax and unwind?
 * Is there anything you're afraid to try or do, and if so, what are your fears?
 * What qualities does a person need to be a good friend?
 * What's one thing you'd like to accomplish this year?
 * What matters to you the most when you're at school?
 * If you could be a character from a book, who would you be and why?
 * What country would you most like to travel to and why?
 * If you could have any wild animal in the world as a pet, which animal would you choose, and why?
 * What's your favorite book and why do you like it?
 * What's the first thing you would do if you were elected President of the United States?
 * If you could be a superhero, what kind of power would you have?
 * What do you think would make the world a better place?
 * If you could invent one thing to make life easier for people, what would you invent?
 * If you could plan the kids' menu for a restaurant, what things would your serve?
 * If you could be invisible for a day, where would you go and what would you do?
 * What would you like to be when you grow up?
 * Who is the funniest person you know?
 * If you could learn a new skill or talent, what would it be?
 * Who is your best friend and what makes him or her so special?
 * What's your biggest challenge at school?
 * What would you like to be better at?
 * What do you like best about our family, and how can we make our family even better?
 * What's your funniest joke or story?