Natalia Temesgen: Shooting for long-term success

Tomorrow's the day we've either been waiting for or dreading for the past few weeks: back to school in Muscogee County! But before we dive in, I want to share some thoughts on how to make this school year a success for both parent and child.

1. "See the big picture."

There's a lot to focus on in the first days back to school. Students may be preoccupied with being popular with friends, or kicking off a flawless academic record. Parents might have high bars set for kids, with threats of punishment to boot. As things inevitably move from the ideal to the realistic, it's easy for both parties to get discouraged and lose momentum toward reaching worthwhile goals.

Shoot for long-term, realistic goals. For example, "I want to achieve an A in this class by midterms. If I have a lower grade than that, I will work with a tutor or another student to improve my grade to an A by the end of the semester." Or, "I want to be a better friend this year. That doesn't mean I won't get into disagreements or feel left out at times, but I will start each day with a positive attitude and be kind to others."

The ability to set realistic goals not only helps to bolster courage and confidence when things get choppy, but also instills a mature perspective in a young person that will come in handy in adult life.

2. "Ask Questions."

In an effort to look cool or avoid arguments, parents and students alike avoid asking important questions during the school year. Freshmen may wander around lost as they look for their classroom, but avoid asking an older student for fear of being labeled a 'noob.' Parents may wonder why their driving teen got home later than expected and assume there must have been an after-school meeting rather than ask for the truth.

In most cases, it's stupider to keep your 'stupid question' to yourself than to ask it. Save trouble, time and even heartache by being direct with your peers, teachers, and yes, children.

I asked my dad a question once: "Don't you trust me?" His reply was golden: "No. You're sixteen. You're categorically untrustworthy." As much as I hated that, I admit I was prone to skirt the truth at that age. And my parents' efforts to regularly communicate kept me out of trouble.

3."Find and treasure the joy."

There were many moments in those first 18 years that I swore I would be a prisoner to the school system for eternity. But now I miss the joy of school. I miss critical thinking and arguing opinions. I miss reading books I would never pick up otherwise. I miss dancing at halftime on the basketball court with my parents in the stands. I miss after-school play practice.

While the school year is undoubtedly hectic, be sure to find and treasure the joy hidden within all the madness. These days will be behind us before we know it.

Natalia Naman Temesgen is an independent contractor. Contact her at nntemesgen@gmail.com

This story was originally published August 8, 2015 at 9:15 PM with the headline "Natalia Temesgen: Shooting for long-term success ."