4 “fins “Give your child two com- pliments for every criticism and watch the change. Kids need that balance. Kids who feel. special will act special.’’ This is the ad- vise of Dr. Gary Phillips, execu- tive director of the National School Improvement Project in Seattle, Washington. During a visit to Terrace last month, Phillips spoke to parents and teachers and stated that research has proven that parent support can raise a child’s school achievement by as much as 40 percent — this is the power of the family and positive re- inforcement. by Tod Strachan During ‘his - presentation to parents, Phillips said: that there were four ways in which parents - can help their children: positive - daily conversation, a positive at- titude towards their children’s education, a positive attitude towards learning, and use of positive observation: rather than criticism or nagging. Phillips suggests that .parents speak to their children daily and ask them questions like, ‘What — did you do:today that you’re _ particularly proud ‘about?’’ He - says that parents can back this up by also describing an event 7) a ‘Ten ce Review — Wednesday, December re 1988. Parents encouraged to get ir “rule of thumb: “You treat the ‘learn something new. they are particularly proud of, and by doing so provide the role model and enthusiasm the child needs to feel positive about the day. “The purpose ‘of school is to learn' something everyday that you will remember for the rest of | your life,”? says Phillips, adding that parents can help in this regard too — by allowing their children to teach them something they have . learned.’ “It’s the act of them teaching you that has power,” he ex- plains, ‘‘and any Parent ¢ can do that.” Phillips suggests that the — parents’ image in the mind of the child is also an. important tool, and he says ‘parents can provide a positive image if they make an effort once a week to thing worth remembering for the - rest-of your life,”’ he says, “‘and let the kid know. You’re modell- — ing learning... Learning is not just something that happens in the classroom when you're . young — it’s something ihat you © ’ neater than they really are, they do for the rest of ‘your life.’ Finally, . Phillips says that complimenting, not nagging, will produce the. ‘best results’ when parents want children to-. do- homework: or chores. His “Somie- | kid not as they are, but as if they | have already become a little bit better than they are.”*. To put this to the test, Phillips _ suggests that parents try this ap- proach, Your child’s bedroom is: a physical disaster that causes ‘you much mental anguish — “My kid’s going to be a slob for the rest of his life”? But Phillips -points out tliat no child has ever died from a messy bedroom and rather than nag, with a straight face (he says this is possible), you say something like, “I’ve. noticed . you Te. becoming ‘in-— creasingly neat. He says your child may look shocked and a little confused, but you continue, ‘And if this neatness continues, and I’m sure it will, Pll bet after.a couple of weeks [’ll be able to come in here and the bed will be made, the dirty socks will be put away and everything will be orderly... and Pll get that pure pride that only. a parent can feel.” | .. Phillips says that after a few weeks of being told they’re a lot may begin to believe it them- selves and take pride in a clean room. He offers no guarantees, of course, but encourages parents to persevere. “It’s surea Nagging,’’ ae DR. GARY PHILLIPS: “Kids who feel special will act special.” lot. more effective he says, while reminding everyone, “‘Kids who feel special will act special, ” Phillips has. worked in the ‘Faculties of Education at Simon Fraser University and Ball:State than University, has been the director of leadership in Schools Centre at Butler University in In- dianapolis, and has experience — asa probation officer, teacher, high school. principal and as a parent himself. oe LeBaron GTS Chryster LeBaron GTS - 1988 1988 Chrysler 150088 Colt 100 - 1988/89, Cott 200- 1989. . LeBaron Coupe (Ex. Canvertible}~ -1080/89 LeBaron GTS/Dodge Lancer — 1988/88 on on geal Dodge Full-Size Pickups - - 1986/89 © Bodge Expo/Plymouth Expo - - 1988/89 Dodge Dakota - 1988/89 Canada K- Dodge Aries’ Plymouth Reliant - 1988/89 Chrysler Daytona ~ 1986/89 LeBaron KC - 1988 NOW AY YOUR LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALERS: SLER’S _ ‘NO MONTHLY PAYMENTS OCUIRGEAR _ | ORINTEREST ON THESE CONDITIONING | - SELECTED VEHICLES: | A CHARGE AUTOMATIC** . No Change Air Conditioning or. Dade Shadow/Piymouth Sundance 1986/69. jo Charge available on - aera equipped 1989 Dodpe Dodge 600/Piymouth Caravelte - 1988 Sse te uipped Dodge Full-Size Fckups ‘ex DA00and W-100 models}. ~ able on specially-equippad 1983 Na Charge Automatic available on spacialty-equipped 1989 Dodge Dakata. No Charge Air Conditioning avail- Dodge Aries/Plymouth Reliant. ara bast Dodge Lancer - 1988 PLUS THE LONGEST WARRANTY GOING! 7 YR./115,000km WARRANTY! | ee to retell purchasers and subioct T yeart115,000 kilometre Limited Powertrain Warranty applies oeen canada Lee Ga eeoved erst aera — 000k ‘Chrysler LeBaron Coupe (Ex Convertible) ~ 1988 Chrysler LeBaron K Dodge aman Caravelle - 1988 - 1988 to demestic-buillt cars and trucks, Seo your dealer for details. 3 YR./80,000 km WARRANTY! Syear/B0,000 ktometre protection Limited Powertrain Warranty applies to Import cars and tricks, G@e your Dealer lor details. _ HURRY! T Dodge Shadow/Plymouth Sundance - 42 month finance contact required. A down payment cies leet pari Colt 100 - 1988/89, Colt 200 ~ 1989, 3-Dr Hatchback, 4-Dr Sedan. ee Canada K, Dodge Aries/Piymouth Reliant - 1988/89 _ Dodge Dakota - 1988/89 Full-Size Pickups ~ 1988/69 : osteo oonsgtar adat transmission available on selected Ity-eq may be necestary. Offer inc! 1909 vehicles (not ’ W-100 models), No Charge Alr Conditioning nol applicable $ onDakota, Not all dealers: t io or datatis. yoivary musi be taken betare December st 1988. Ti TIME! = 1988/89