What Every Dad Must Do During Back-to-School Time

7. Don't criticize teachers or the school--or their friends. Help your child feel good about the new school situation. Dads tend to criticize to show off their good judgment, but if you complain about a teacher, or the school's scores or sports, he won't feel the pride he needs to do his best. Where a child feels split between you and the school, he's likely to side with neither and may slide into unhealthy friendships instead.

8. Encourage independence and self-help skills. Children who are able to manage themselves in practical ways develop a more independent approach to learning. Encourage your young child to cope with his coat and shoes, wash his own hands, bathe, etc. Your older one should be organizing his homework, travel to school, where appropriate, and social life.

9. Keep criticism to a minimum. Try to be more tolerant of kids' noise and boisterousness. If you scold your child for minor things, it could interfere with his self-confidence. Last-minute mayhem over getting dressed, or fights over what's for breakfast, can also spoil a day. So help everyone to get organized! Clear routines that ensure school and sports bags are packed and ready help, but if there is mayhem, bite back any temptation to blame.

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