Q: For example, you can get them to draw cartoon pictures or diagrams, make mind maps or thought charts. Even doing something so simple as giving them colorful pens (felt tips or gel pens) can encourage them to enjoy studying. If you look online, you can find many funny videos on many topics or you can find role play scripts and ideas that allow your child to be creative while studying and enjoy it. Take an interest in what your child is learning, what they think is easy or what they think is hard. Become familiar with the material your children are studying. It's quite difficult to help your child with algebra if you are not familiar with the basic concepts yourself. Once you’ve become familiar with what your children need to learn, you will be in a better position to help. Take the initiative.  If there is something your child finds hard that you don't know, consult their teacher. Do not tell them to ask their teacher: chances are they will forget, or be too embarrassed to go alone. Instead, set up a meeting with their teacher, yourself and your child, and figure out an option that is best for your lifestyle. Find the time to do homework with them—not by telling them what to do, but by guiding them along the way. Sometimes children do not like the tension of having someone else watching them study. Try either studying with them or giving them some space. Keep the TV off, and put away any gaming consoles. If your children are using a computer, keep an eye on them to make sure that they don't play games. Consider blocking certain websites from a computer, or disabling the Internet altogether during certain designated study times. Understand what makes them engaged and productive, and try to build an ideal learning environment. Treat your child as an individual with unique needs and strengths. If your child remembers things easier by seeing things, try having them read something aloud and repeat in their own words what they read. Some children remember more if they write things down (touch/hands-on), so reworking a math problem or writing certain history dates will help for them. You may need to read out loud to your child to help them retain the information, if they learn best by hearing. Try to understand the environment in which your child learns best. Do they learn best with food by their side, or no food? Do they like peace and quiet, or music? Do they like sitting at a desk, on the couch, or on a yoga ball? Teachers may recommend a private tutor. If it's in the budget, take the opportunity. It can be a great way for your child to learn, and you might even learn something. If you can't afford a tutor, some one-on-one time with the teacher may do the trick. Many schools are developing peer-mentoring programs where students teach other students. Finally, you can always take to the Internet—there are a number of reputable chat and video tutoring services. Make sure they know that you are there to help, but do not let them rely on you completely for the answers. Be patient, positive, and tolerant. As your children grow older, more disciplined, and more independent, you may need to back off and let them build their own study habits. Read over essays and writing assignments; look over their work for math assignments. Consider checking their answers and working with them to correct anything that's wrong. Make sure that you do not demean your child or make them feel dull. Your guidance should be a positive light, not a stressful weight.
A: Make studying enjoyable. Be involved. Minimize distractions. Know how your child learns best. Consider hiring a tutor. If you have young children, try to be present when they study. Review your children's homework when they get home and when they have finished it.

Q: This can be a great way to open up the conversation. Many people get away with saying offensive things because they assume no one will challenge them. By asking them to repeat themselves, you’re forcing them to actually admit what they said and if they stand behind it.  Use a casual, innocent tone when you ask them to repeat themselves. You can almost pretend that you simply didn’t understand what they said. You can say, “I’m sorry, could you say that again?” or “I’m not sure I heard you. Can you repeat that?” If the person refuses to repeat the offensive statement, they probably feel ashamed of what they said. You can say something like, “Oh, okay. I just thought you might have said something that struck me as odd. But I guess not.” This will let them know that their statement was not in fact acceptable. If the person has used specific language that’s offensive, ask them to explain exactly what they meant by it. Most people will not be willing to defend their use of slurs or offensive language once they’re challenged to do so.  If they’ve referred to a person or group using a racial slur, you can say something like, “I know that person is a member of that group. I’ve only heard people use the word you used to express a prejudice against people of that group. Is that what you’re trying to say?” You can say something like, “The word you used has a specific meaning. Are you aware of that? Can I tell you where it comes from?” The person might not have used language that offended you. It might have been their tone or their timing. Explain what you took from their statement. They may be surprised to hear what you say. Many people are unaware when something they do or say offends someone. If you don’t think they were trying to offend you, say so. This will lessen the chance that they’ll feel defensive. You can start by saying, “I’m sure you meant no harm, but…” or “I know you always try to be sensitive to others’ feelings, so I wanted to let you know…” They might be eager to explain the misunderstanding. You can say, “Is that what you meant to say?” or “Does that sound like what you were trying to say?”  It’s possible that they did mean to offend or shock you. Be prepared for this. They might have been subtly trying to stir up conflict. If they did intend to cause harm, stay calm. Don’t stoop to trying to offend them yourself. If their intent was to offend, let them know how you feel about that. You can say that you feel hurt, surprised, or saddened. If they didn’t mean to  offend you, you can say that you feel relieved to know that they wouldn’t ever intend to cause harm.  This can be very useful with someone who values your opinion. If the person wants to please you, knowing how you feel can influence their behavior. You can express feelings without expressing judgement. For example, you can say, “I feel really surprised” rather than, “I can’t believe you would say something like that.”
A:
Ask the person to repeat themselves. Clarify their use of language. Express your understanding of their statement. Ask them if your understanding is accurate. Express your feelings about their intent.