Moms Talk Q&A: How Do You Handle School Projects?

Question: How do you handle big school projects assigned to your kids?

Rhonda Sasa answers: "When my children have projects that need to be completed at home, we first begin with a trip to the store to stock up on any materials they may need for their project. I also keep a storage cabinet at home stocked with markers, glue, construction paper, stickers, loose buttons and anything else that will help in completing a project.

The more they have to work with, the less discouraged they will become, and the less likely that they will ask for your help in completing their project.

If the children have questions or don't know how to start a project, I help by encouraging them to research an idea on the Internet, or I offer to take them to the library to pick up some books on different topics.

A first-time science fair project can be a bit overwhelming for a child, but as parents, we need to continue to encourage our children to complete their
projects as best they can — and assure them that it does not always have to be perfect, just as long as they tried their best.

After all, some scientists' biggest mistakes are today's greatest accomplishments.

Some items that were discovered by accident are penicillin, Play-Doh, Slinky, Popsicles, the microwave oven and Post-it Notes."

April Barber answers: "Dealing with your children's projects can be very overwhelming. My daughter just finished one for the second grade. She made a poster for Wellness Week. 

She told me about it way in advance — which doesn't always happen. Who has gone to CVS at 9 p.m. to get a poster board? Come on, raise your hand!

The poster was due in a week, but she wanted to do it now! I had to explain to her about time management, which was not easy. 

Then, we needed to get our supplies and get some ideas.

Do you notice I used the word 'we'?

As a parent, you want your children to do well. So, do you help a little or a lot?  Do you make it seem that it was done by a seasoned adult? If so, would that be fair to the other children?

In the end, we did the project together. I did guide her, but she did most of the work. It did take some patience — and $8 — but it was worth it.  She was very proud of it, and we spent quality time together.

Parenting is a learning process and we must plan accordingly."