I so enjoy reading the blogs posted here on Better Parenting University; it renews my commitment to be the best parent I can possibly be!

It was an honor to recently deliver an online webinar on School Success for BPU. The pros at Better Parenting University do a consummate job of handling all the details of producing a top-notch online seminar. Thanks!

I really hope those of you who take the time to view the webinar come away with many good ideas for how to help your child excel in school. If anyone has any specific questions about how to help their child with school, I invite you to email me directly at editor@publicschoolsuccess.com and/or to visit my blog at www.publicschoolparent.com.

Since my professional focus is on helping parents raise high achievers in school, I want to offer a little holiday shopping reminder to look for gifts that will offer lasting benefits beyond the season. A little nourishment for the mind or a beautifully bound book can provide longer-lasting enjoyment than most plastic toys or electronic devices. We all spend a bundle on our kids this time of year; why not look for some items that are a good school investment?

Look beyond the obvious Toys ‘R Us selections this year and try to put some intellectual enrichment into your holidays. Don’t forget to shop in bookstores or Teacher’s stores to find a few gifts that will encourage your child’s developing interests, whether it be chemistry, astronomy, mythology, music. . .

Is there an instrument your child has always wanted to try? Is it time to purchase some early SAT preparation tools? (These come in handheld electronic formats now. While it may not qualify as “fun,” it’s more fun than worksheets.) We’re going to be putting a violin (with DVDs to get started) and a vocabulary builder under our tree this year.

Use your imagination and see if you can’t put a respectable percentage of your holiday spending towards educational gifts.

Here’s to a great school year!
Bonnie Kerrigan Snyder, D.Ed.

Author, “The Public School Parent’s Guide to Success: How to Beat Private School and Homeschooling.”

www.publicschoolparent.com.