• Make your values and your rules clear. Parents sometimes use phrases like “be smart” or “make good decisions,” though these terms may have very different meanings for different people. Be Specific. If you mean, “You can go out with your friends as long as you can assure me you will not use marijuana,” then say it that way.
• Ask and listen, but resist the urge to lecture. As adults, we very much want to impart as much wisdom as we can to help young people avoid the same mistakes that we made. But, it is probably more useful to draw out their innate curiosity and encourage them to seek out answers on their own. Consider beginning by asking a question like, “Tell me, what do you know about marijuana?” Teens who feel like their point of view is valued may be more willing to engage in a conversation.
• If your child has used substances, try to explore the reasons teens may use substances to help manage anxiety, relieve stress, distract from unpleasant emotions, or connect socially with peers. Being curious about those reasons can help them feel less judged. It may also give you a window into your teen’s underlying struggles, help them develop insight into their own behavior, and point to problems that may need professional support.

• Set parameters for laptop usage at home.
• Avoid having your student use his/her laptop in his/ her room.
• Have a “charging station” in the kitchen, so it does not have to go to the student’s room to charge.
• When your students are using their devices, have them sit with their backs to you, so you can see their screens.
• Anytime your students create a new account, sit next to them, so you know the usernames, passwords, and abilities of the site. Then check their usage once in a while to hold them accountable.
• Have your students explain the purpose of the site they are using/accessing

• Make sure your child has a quiet, well-lit place to do homework.
• Help your child with time management.
• Make sure the materials your child needs, such as paper, pencils and a dictionary, are available. 
• When your child asks for help, provide guidance, not answers. 
• Reward progress in homework.

Source: U.S. Dept. of Education

• Keep your home computer(s) in easily viewable places, such as a family room or kitchen.
• Talk regularly with your child about online activities he or she is involved in.
• Talk specifically about cyber-bullying and encourage your child to tell you immediately if he or she is the victim of cyber-bullying, cyberstalking, or other illegal or troublesome online behaviors.
• Encourage your child to tell you if he or she is aware of others who may be the victims of such behavior. Explain that cyberbullying is harmful and unacceptable behavior.
• Outline your expectations for responsible online behavior and make it clear that there will be consequences for inappropriate behavior.
• Although adults must respect the privacy of children and young people, concerns for your child’s safety may sometimes override these privacy concerns. Tell your child that you will review his or her online communications if you think there is a reason for concern.

Source: www.stopbullyingnow.gov

• Read directions carefully before starting a paper or project.
• Look for similar examples in textbooks or notes.
• Review class notes at the end of each school day and highlight “big ideas.”
• Use an assignment book or student agenda.
• Use the family calendar to post big test and project dates.
• Ask your child’s teacher for more tips to help your child.