Going to School: How to Help Your Child Succeed

All those in pursuit of a ""worldclass education and a lifetime of good school memories"" for their children will find abundant advice and hand-holding in this sensible guide. Drawing in part upon their recent congressionally funded study, the Rameys (coauthors of Right from Birth) present the view that family environment influences children's successful schooling at least as much as schools and teachers. The Rameys gently lead parents through the various aspects of supporting a child's schooling, such as fostering good social skills, choosing a school, establishing family routines and assessing academic progress. Their specific recommendations are nicely subtle yet informative (""a step forward and then a pause, or step back"" is normal in a child's development). Somewhat tiresome, though, are the authors' apparent reverence for research and their occasional deviation into hyperconscious parenting. While discussing the importance of creating a special space for study, for example, they mention: ""To our knowledge, however, no one has studied this aspect of family life over time or in adequate detail."" The Rameys do offer valuable chapters on the learning process and educational theory, and they include numerous tables listing guidelines and resources. Parents with good intentions but limited educational and child-rearing experience will benefit most from this motivating, albeit somewhat overwhelming, handbook. (Aug.)