The smart way to school

MANILA, Philippines – Despite schoolwork like assignments and projects, your child might still want to pursue his/her sports activities while studying. Although juggling sports and schoolwork is relatively difficult, it should not hinder your children from pursuing what they like best.

Encourage your children to maximize their talents by supporting them. Let them feel you’re one with them by following these simple tips:

• Reiterate the importance of school. There is a tendency for your child to become uninterested in academics. To avoid this, sit down and gently remind him of the value of education. “Parents must allow kids to pursue their athletic hopes and dreams while not forgetting that education comes first,” said Robert Kanaby, executive director of the US National Federation of State High School Associations. Parents should cite concrete implications of not finishing school to give children a clearer picture. Kanaby believes that relating such consequences to the child’s future sports career would also help.

• Check their nutrition intake. Ensure that your future athletes are provided with proper nutrition by giving them well-balanced meals and the right food supplement. If your kids are into basketball, give them Hi-Smart Multivitamins. Especially formulated with zinc and taurine, New Marketlink Pharmaceuticals Corporation’s (NMPC) Hi-Smart Multivitamins is your kid’s reliable partner in helping achieve his/her academic and athletic aspirations. “Hi-Smart’s zinc helps maximize children’s growth potential. Its taurine content, meanwhile, assists in IQ development. “Hi-Smart won’t just help make your kid taller, its unique formulation will also help ensure that your kids become smarter,” said Dr. Francis Gomez of NMPC.

• Allocate a study area in their room. Remind your children of their obligation to study by putting a study space in their room. Although a simple chair and table would do, take the extra effort of making the area more conducive to studying. Putting a study lamp or book holder would spruce up the study area, with available supplies such as pencils, paper, ruler, and scissors.

• Talk with your kids’ teachers. You’re not with your children all day. Some things might come up without you knowing it. Make sure that you are updated on your children’s progress in their activities and in school by regularly communicating with their teachers and coaches. Doing so will provide you an objective idea of how your children are coping with their routines.

• Learn to put a stop. Parents sometimes find it hard to break their children’s hearts. Telling your kids to stop with sports activities because of academic failure is justifiable. You just have to deliver the message clearly. “Athletes need to meet their responsibilities, and that includes keeping up with their schoolwork,” said Jerry Parrish, physical education department head of Washington’s North Kitsap High School.