Back to school – here’s the news

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joe the Biker is hitting the road and will perform in over 200 schools throughout the United States thanks to the generosity of the Yubbie Foundation. You can view his schedule by going to Calendar of Events on our site.

 

Its new – Its cool! Visit my new site at joethebiker.com. Not only does it have a unique look it offers a variety of information and now, product.  Take a minute, take your time, check out this new web site of mine.  Writing all my new raps songs have left a rhyming in my timing.  Oops! I did it again.  Be cool! Check it out.

 

Join me in supporting the Carl Joseph Walker Foundation Anti-Bullying Back-to-School 5k Road Race/2K WALK on September 18^, 2010. It starts at 9 AM at the CYR Arena in Forest Park, Springfield, MA. Cash Prize awarded to 1^st place male and female.  Prizes for 1^st place in each division (under 19, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-99). For more information you can visit their site at www.carljoseph11.org. Joe the Biker will be there and lending a helping hand for this important cause.

 

THE ANXIETY OF GOING BACK TO SCHOOL

The anticipation of going back to school can often times escalate into an emotional experience for a child. Parents that have developed a healthy channel of communication with their children can see the changes in the attitudes as the new school year starts. Here are some tips for parents to help their children deal with the going-back-to-school-blues:

• Take the time to discuss any changes in their behavior. A couple of weeks before the new year begins, a parent may be able to detect signs of withdrawal or anxiety. Use this as an opportunity to have a discussion with your child. It is imperative that parents nurture their children through these emotions and help them come to grips with the upcoming events in a positive manner.
  
• Get the feelings out in the open. Do not let a child ponder on negative reactions to the upcoming changes in their lives. Have empathy, and encourage an open discussion of those feelings. It will help a child cope with their emotions and can transform a situation into a positive reaction.
  
• Children mimic their parents. Parents also have to be aware of their emotions. Be careful not to communicate a sense of loss or too much happiness that your children are returning back to school. Your reactions may have an impact of your child's attitude toward school.
  
• Be a proactive parent. Put a positive spin on education and the benefits of returning back to school. Encourage the desire to achieve a good education, expand their interests and the social aspect of meeting new kids. Children are like clay and parents are the sculpturing artists. It is important to instill the advantages of obtaining an education that will allow a child to achieve their dreams.
  
• Have a specific homework time each day at home. Children need structure. Creating a time with no distractions in the house helps a child develop discipline. Parents can serve as a role model by participating in the homework period by sitting down and reading a magazine or book while the children study. Kids want to be like their parents, so walk-the-talk. Show them that learning to read is important.
  

 

One way to motivate your child and help nurture them through the academic year is letting them know you care and put education as a priority in their life. We had a rule in my house that was very effective in fostering over a hundred children and getting them excited about education. Rule #1: – There is a specific time everyday for one hour of homework in a common area, mainly the kitchen. The rule was until you do your homework, there's no Nintendo (back in those days), no radio, or TV. Clear and simple. My house - my rules. During that study period, they were not allowed radios or TV.

 

Of course we had those slick little characters that would come home and try to convince us that their teachers did not give out homework or they did it at school. Thinking they just escaped homework period, they would be ready to take off and play. Rule #2: If you don't have any homework, sit and read a book or magazine of your choice. That usually took them by surprise. We believed that education was paramount in getting good employment and providing for a family. Since we sat at the table with them, we were available to tutor if necessary.

 

If they didn't have homework for a couple of days, I would place a call to the assistant principal who was more than happy to check with their teachers. Wow! You cannot believe how many kids were shocked when we reported on our conversation with the AP. Those who tried to be slick were the ones who were not actually handing in any homework. Back to rule #1.

 

We also felt very strongly about grades and sports. A parent should place the focus on education that gives a child a chance for a productive future. We pushed to have C+ to Bs to be eligible for sports. It is amazing what a child will do when they are motivated. If they wanted to tackle down their opponent on the field they first had to learn how to tackle discipline and work their education into the formula. Remember research indicates an incidental percentage of students ever make the pros.

 

According to recent statistics provided by the National Federation of State High School Associations, more than 1 million boys play high school football; almost 500,000 play basketball; and about 400,000 participate in baseball. From high school to college, the number of participants drops drastically. Only about 11,000 athletes altogether participate in college football, basketball, and baseball.

Some athletes who do go on to play college sports and have successful collegiate careers can indeed look forward to playing in professional sports. However, only about 8 percent are ever drafted by professional teams, and only about 2 percent sign a professional contract. Even signing a contract doesn't mean that an athlete will make the team. So the number is incidental. Focusing on education will pay greater dividends.