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Susan Good

Homework Without Headaches

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This Guest Post, by Susan Good, explores smart, painless parenting strategies to support your child. Be sure to check out Ms. Good’s website at retiredteacher.org for more insightful articles about teaching and writing!

Homework Without Headaches: Smart, Painless Parenting Stragies to Support Your Child

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Raising children comes with its fair share of challenges, but helping them tackle their homework doesn’t have to be one of them. Between school demands and after-school commitments, homework time often turns into a battleground for many families. But it doesn’t have to be this way. With the right structure and strategies in place, you can help your child build academic independence, reduce stress, and even find some joy in learning. These parenting techniques are rooted in empathy, consistency, and thoughtful planning—designed to make your evenings smoother and their education stronger.

Create a Homework Haven

The first step in easing homework battles is giving your child a calm, organized place to work. A consistent study spot—ideally quiet, well-lit, and away from the hustle of the house—helps build focus and routine. Stock it with school supplies so they don’t have to constantly leave to grab a pencil or calculator. This simple setup removes the friction of getting started and signals to your child’s brain that it’s time to shift gears into learning mode.

Use Digital Tools to Stay Organized

Helping your child stay organized can go a long way toward reducing homework-related stress—and one of the easiest ways to do that is by setting up a digital system for managing assignments and study materials. This might mean creating folders on a shared Google Drive, setting reminders on a calendar app, or using a homework tracker to map out deadlines and goals. One smart tip? Converting Word documents into PDFs preserves formatting, prevents accidental edits, and ensures seamless access across devices. Check this out: this simple tool can streamline study sessions, making it easier for kids to focus and complete their work efficiently.

Stick to a Predictable Schedule

Children thrive on routine, and homework is no exception. Set a homework time that fits comfortably into your child’s daily rhythm—maybe after a snack and short break from school, but before dinner or screen time. Consistency helps reduce resistance because it removes the need to negotiate every night. Over time, your child’s internal clock adjusts, and starting homework becomes less of a struggle and more of a natural part of their day.

Be a Guide, Not a Helicopter

As tempting as it may be to jump in and solve problems when your child is stuck, try stepping back first. Offer support, clarify instructions, or brainstorm strategies, but let them attempt the work on their own. When kids struggle productively, they build resilience and a deeper understanding of the material. This approach helps foster independence and reduces the pressure they feel to get everything perfect on the first try.

Cut Down on the Noise

One of the biggest homework saboteurs is distraction—especially the digital kind. During homework time, turn off the TV, silence notifications, and store away non-essential electronics. Even well-meaning interruptions, like checking in too often, can break concentration. Creating a focused environment signals that this is a time for effort and progress, not multitasking or procrastination.

Recognize Effort Over Outcome

One of the best ways to motivate your child is to acknowledge their effort, not just the results. Celebrate moments when they stayed focused, asked thoughtful questions, or kept going despite a tough assignment. Praising persistence and hard work reinforces the idea that success is earned through dedication. This builds confidence and helps them internalize a growth mindset that will serve them far beyond the classroom.

Keep Communication Flowing

Staying in touch with your child’s teachers is essential for providing the right kind of support at home. Whether it’s checking the class website, reading the weekly newsletter, or shooting an occasional email, make an effort to stay in the loop. Teachers can offer insight into what’s expected, where your child may need help, and how you can reinforce learning outside of school. When everyone’s on the same page, your child feels supported from all sides.

At the end of the day, your involvement in your child’s homework routine isn’t just about getting assignments turned in—it’s about teaching life skills that last. By creating structure, offering guidance without hovering, and nurturing a healthy attitude toward effort and growth, you’re giving your child tools they’ll use well beyond school. Homework might still be challenging from time to time, but with your support, it becomes less about pressure and more about progress. And when your child feels capable and cared for, those after-school hours can turn into a foundation for confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning.

Unlock a world of engaging ESL resources with Kinney Brothers Publishing and inspire your students with innovative teaching tools designed for every level!

Cultivating Leadership Skills in Kids

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Cultivating Leadership Kinney Brothers Publishing
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This Guest Post, by Susan Good, explores 7 Ways parents can cultivate leadership skills in their kids. Be sure to check out Ms. Good’s website at retiredteacher.org for insightful blog posts about teaching and writing!

Leadership doesn’t start in boardrooms. It starts in kitchens, on playgrounds, in the car rides home from school. Kids don’t just learn to lead from books or camps or speeches about grit. They pick it up from you—what you praise, what you tolerate, what you model. Parents don’t need to train future CEOs, but they can nurture curiosity, confidence, and character. That’s what leadership looks like, especially when it starts early.

Model Leadership Through Your Actions

Kids notice more than you think. They see how you solve problems, how you handle stress, how you treat the barista who got your order wrong. By modeling emotional intelligence in parenting, you give your child a roadmap for how leaders show up in real life. This doesn’t mean being perfect, just intentional. Let them hear you admit mistakes or talk through a tough decision aloud. Those little windows into your thought process teach more than any lecture could.

Encourage Decision-Making and Autonomy

Leadership begins when a kid realizes their choices matter. Whether it’s picking their clothes, managing chores, or solving conflicts with a sibling, age-appropriate decision-making practices build agency. Of course, that also means letting them fail, which isn’t always easy to watch. But independence grows in the gap between guidance and control. Try offering limited choices instead of open-ended ones—it’s not about total freedom, just practice steering the ship. Over time, they’ll come to trust their own judgment, and that’s a big deal.

Support Through Challenges and Failures

Every future leader will fail, and what matters most is what happens next. Instead of jumping in to fix things, sit with your child in the mess. Let them feel the sting, then help them name it and learn from it. That’s how resilience takes root. And yes, even structured outlets like youth sports can help with this—building confidence in youth athletes often begins with pushing through losses, missed goals, or tough practices. Your role is to steady the ground, not pave the road.

Enroll in Camps and Group Activities

You can’t lead a team if you’ve never worked in one. That’s why group activities, from science clubs to theater troupes to summer camps, are fertile training grounds. Kids learn to compromise, step up, sit back, and manage conflict. They find their voices not just when they’re loudest, but when they’re most needed. And those messy, funny, sometimes awkward interactions are where leadership instincts begin to form. It’s social, yes, but also formative in ways school alone can’t replicate.

Prioritize Communication and Emotional Intelligence

If a child can name what they’re feeling, they can name what others might be feeling too. That’s empathy, and empathy is the cornerstone of effective leadership. Fostering emotional intelligence in children starts with small acts: narrating your own emotions, asking them to reflect on theirs, making space for feelings without judgment. When a kid learns how to manage a meltdown—whether it’s theirs or someone else’s—they’re already practicing emotional leadership. And it doesn’t require a workbook or a training session, just a steady back-and-forth. 

Demonstrate Lifelong Learning

Your actions speak louder than your report card ever did. If you go back to school, take an online course, or chase a credential, your kids don’t just see your ambition. They see your curiosity, your hustle, your belief that learning doesn’t end at graduation. For busy, working parents, choosing an online program that fits your career track can be a game-changer—and this could be a good fit if you’re looking at degrees like a bachelor’s in business or a master’s in nursing. It’s not about impressing them with your resume. It’s about showing them how growth never stops.

Encourage Participation in Community Service

Leadership rooted in service leaves a deeper mark. Volunteering develops real leadership skills: initiative, planning, empathy, and collaboration. Whether it’s organizing a coat drive or cleaning up a park, kids start to understand that leadership isn’t just about being in charge—it’s about stepping in. It doesn’t need to be formal or time-consuming. Let them pick the cause, then walk beside them as they serve. Those early acts of civic engagement can shape how they see their role in the wider world.


There’s no formula for raising leaders, but there are habits that help. If you model self-awareness, make space for mistakes, and give kids chances to stretch, they’ll rise. It won’t happen all at once. They might resist. They might surprise you. But eventually, they’ll lead—not because you pushed them, but because you showed them how.

Discover a world of engaging ESL materials at Kinney Brothers Publishing and elevate your classroom experience with resources tailored for every age and skill level!

Boost Creativity and Unlock Success

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Kinney Brothers Publishing Guest Post Susan Good
Photo: Freepik

In a world that thrives on innovation, creativity is not just a skill but a necessity. Whether you’re seeking personal growth or aiming to excel professionally, tapping into your creative potential can transform your journey. Creativity fuels progress, offering fresh perspectives and solutions to challenges. By embracing change and exploring new avenues, you can invigorate your creative spirit and enhance your life in meaningful ways. 

Expose Yourself to Natural Light

Embracing natural light is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your creativity and overall well-being. Exposure to sunlight is crucial for maintaining your circadian rhythm, which can improve your mood and productivity. Research shows that sunlight increases serotonin production, a brain chemical that boosts mood and fosters a sense of well-being. Consider taking a walk during your lunch break to soak up some sunlight, which not only supports your mental health but also enhances your alertness and creativity. 

Maintain Your Drive with Inspirational Quotes and Boards

Inspirational quotes and motivation boards are effective tools for maintaining drive and sparking creativity. Surrounding yourself with empowering messages and visuals serves as a constant reminder of your goals and aspirations, helping you stay focused even during challenging times. Motivation boards allow you to curate images, quotes, and ideas that resonate with your vision, creating a personalized source of encouragement. These tools can ignite creative thinking by reinforcing positive energy and fostering a mindset open to possibilities.

Consider a Career Change

Sometimes, the best way to rejuvenate your creative spirit is by embarking on a new career path. Pursuing an online degree can be a flexible and effective way to acquire new skills while maintaining your current job. For instance, earning a degree in computer science allows you to build expertise in IT, programming, and computer science theory.   This approach not only expands your skill set but also opens doors to new career opportunities, allowing you to channel your creativity into fields that resonate with your evolving interests. If you’re curious about this path, this is worth a look.

Focus on Mindful Breathing

Mindful breathing is a powerful tool that can help you unlock your creativity and enhance both personal and professional success. By focusing on the natural rhythm of your breath, you can calm your mind and reduce stress, which often hinders creative thinking. This practice not only helps in lowering stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline but also improves emotional regulation by fostering a non-judgmental awareness of your emotions. 

Start Free-Writing or Journaling

Engaging in daily free-writing or journaling is a powerful way to unblock creative flow and discover fresh ideas. By writing without constraints or judgment, you allow thoughts to surface naturally, bypassing mental barriers like perfectionism or overthinking. This practice encourages exploration of new perspectives and sparks connections between ideas that may otherwise remain hidden. Journaling also provides a dedicated space for reflection, helping you clarify your thoughts and identify patterns that can inspire innovative concepts.

Manage Digital Distractions

In today’s fast-paced work environment, managing digital distractions is essential for boosting creativity and productivity. By stepping away from constant notifications and screen time, you give your mind the opportunity to rest and recharge, which can enhance focus and spark innovative ideas. Implementing a digital detox strategy in your workplace not only promotes a healthier work-life balance but also helps prevent burnout. Consulting with wellness experts can provide tailored solutions to effectively integrate these practices into your daily routine.

Establish New Patterns

Breaking routine patterns is a powerful way to encourage creative thinking and invite fresh perspectives. Repeating the same activities daily can limit your imagination and keep your mind in familiar territory, making it harder to think outside the box. By changing your environment, trying new activities, or approaching tasks differently, you challenge your brain to adapt and innovate. These shifts disrupt habitual thought processes, making room for original ideas and inspiring new connections.

Creativity is a dynamic force that can transform both your personal and professional life. By embracing these strategies, you can cultivate a creative mindset that propels you toward success. Soon you’ll find that creativity becomes a natural part of your daily routine, enriching your experiences and achievements.

Discover a world of engaging ESL materials at Kinney Brothers Publishing and elevate your classroom experience with resources tailored for every age and skill level!

This is a Guest Post by Susan Good, a 38-year veteran of the classroom! Be sure to check out her website at retiredteacher.org for inciteful blog posts about teaching and writing!

Streamline Your Teaching and Unlock Success With These Proven Classroom Strategies

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This is a Guest Post by Susan Good, a 38-year veteran of the classroom! Be sure to check out her website at retiredteacher.org for inciteful blog posts about teaching and writing!

Kinney Brothers Publishing Blog

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Teaching is an intricate blend of art and science, requiring a well-organized approach to truly flourish. Whether you’re embarking on your teaching journey or seeking to refine your organizational skills, this comprehensive guide from Kinney Brother’s Publishing is designed to support educators in creating a structured, supportive, and stimulating learning environment. Dive into these strategies to transform your classroom into a well-oiled educational machine, where each element is purposefully aligned for maximum teaching effectiveness and student engagement.

Personalize Your Approach to Individual Needs

Understanding and catering to individual student needs is the cornerstone of effective teaching. Maintain detailed records of each student’s progress, preferences, and challenges. In ESL (English as a Second Language) classrooms, for instance, this individualized attention is particularly crucial, as students might require tailored support to bridge language barriers and embrace new communication skills. Personalized tracking fosters a nurturing academic environment, encouraging each student to reach their full potential.

Monitor and Adapt Your Lesson Plans

Teaching is a dynamic process, demanding continuous adaptation and improvement. Regularly assess the effectiveness of your lesson plans, gathering feedback and monitoring student engagement and comprehension. This reflective practice ensures that your teaching methods evolve in tandem with your students’ needs, keeping your classroom vibrant and your teaching strategies impactful.

Cultivate an Inspiring Learning Environment

Your classroom’s physical environment plays a pivotal role in student learning. Design a space that’s not just organized but also inviting and stimulating. Incorporate elements that spark creativity, foster comfort, and reflect the diverse needs of your students, including those in ESL classrooms. A thoughtfully designed classroom is a canvas for imagination, discovery, and growth.

Discover and Implement Your Unique Organizational Style

Effective organization isn’t one-size-fits-all. Explore various strategies and tools to find what resonates with your teaching style and classroom dynamics. Whether it’s color-coded systems, digital planners, or visual schedules, the right organizational approach can turn chaos into clarity, ensuring that every lesson flows smoothly and every resource is right at your fingertips.

Master the Art of Classroom Management

Effective classroom management is integral to a productive learning atmosphere. Establish clear expectations, consistent routines, and positive reinforcement strategies. A well-managed classroom minimizes distractions and maximizes learning opportunities, creating a space where respect, cooperation, and focus are the norm.

Embrace a Paperless Classroom

In the fast-paced world of education, staying organized is essential for educators. An effective strategy is to digitize your paper records and other important documents. Additionally, when it comes to sharing files with staff, PDFs have emerged as the preferred format due to wider compatibility and ease of use. To streamline this process, consider using an online tool that allows you to effortlessly convert these types of files to PDFs by simply dragging and dropping them into the tool – making this the best solution for educators seeking efficient file management.

Break Down Your Goals

Set yourself up for success by transforming lofty goals into smaller, actionable steps. This methodical approach makes even the most ambitious targets achievable, allowing you to track progress and celebrate milestones along the way. In breaking down your goals, you’re not just planning; you’re paving a clear path toward educational excellence.

Set and Achieve SMART Goals

Ambition drives progress, but a structured approach ensures results. Establish Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound or SMART goals for your teaching career. This clear framework guides your professional development, ensuring that every step you take is purposeful and aligned with your long-term vision as an educator.

In the world of education, organization is the silent hero, setting the stage for teaching triumphs and student successes. By embracing these essential strategies, teachers—from novices to veterans—can navigate the complexities of the classroom with confidence and finesse. From personalized student support to smart goal-setting, these practices don’t just streamline your workload; they enhance your impact, leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts and minds of your students. Embark on this journey of organizational mastery, and watch as your classroom transforms into a beacon of learning, inspiration, and growth.