She's in 5th grade, running against four other girls (including a teacher's pet and somebody very popular). Based on my understanding of the social structure at school, she's going to come in third. I'd appreciate any input as to how to improve her chances of winning.
I recognize that it will be a learning experience for her either way. I'm not being super-competitive about this, I'd just like to give her the best chance she can have. Thanks!
2006-09-12 03:32:38 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
There's a fine line between being supportive and being pushy. You sound awfully close to the line, especially when you refer to another candidate as "a teacher's pet."
The down side to pushing too hard is that kids can feel like failures when they disappoint their parents. For some kids - that can be devastating.
Does your daughter have a campaign manager in her class? She should. You can offer to serve lemonade and cookies when they make their posters but beyond that - stay out of it.
Support her by offering to be the audience when she practises her speeches. Clap for her and cheer her on.
Tell her you're proud that she wants to be a leader and - if she doesn't win - commend her on her effort toward that leadership goal.
2006-09-12 03:52:44 · answer #1 · answered by mom of Em 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
First of all, don't be overly involved in the actual "running". You are her mom, not her campaign manager.
I am assuming that she is about 11 or 12 and understand the role of student council president. Is this something that she really wants, or is it something that she is expected to do.
If she is really sincere about running for the office, she needs a strategy and theme for her platform. She should also get several friends to support her in making posters, handing out flyers (with candy of course) and promote her in everyway.
The speech will be an important and final test for her election. It should not be 100% serious, as kids this age like to have a good time. I remember when I ran for president (6th grade), I threw a roll of toilet paper into the crowd when I said "do you feel like you are not being heard....do you feel as though your feelings are going down the drain?"
The laughter was a great relief for everyone, and people remembered my speech because it was different!
Be her sounding board, but not her superior!
Good Luck!
2006-09-12 05:58:45 · answer #2 · answered by coachls 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hang plenty of posters on the first few days of the campaign. Don't wait til the last minute to hang them up.
Don't bribe, but be considerate to what the "people" want. I passed out bracelets, stickers, buttons and personalized chewing gum. I didn't say, You can't have one unless you vote for me, I just gave them a piece anyway hoping someone who was watching saw my politeness.
Make your speech go with the flow. Don't write an Albert Einstein Composition for a bunch of 8th graders!! Be funny, honest and open-minded
Don't put yourself down.
Be polite to the other candidates and just maybe you'll get more votes.
Always be prepared; people might pop random questions at you.
Be nice to people, but don't be plastic. Just be polite and friendly, but don't overdo it - people can tell if you're just faking it.
Make sure you memorize your speech come election time! Don't memorize it at the last minute.
Have fun (but be serious when you need to).
Never be rude or violent to the other candidates.
Take your campaign seriously. Don't just fool around, or people will not think you will take the position seriously.
Be nice, but don't be fake.
Every morning, when you get up, practice your speech in front of the mirror. This way, you won't forget anything and you'll feel prepared when it's time to say your speech.
Don't pass out candy or sweets. The people just take it and don't give you a vote.
2006-09-14 06:53:34 · answer #3 · answered by babygirl4us 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Best thing you can do for her is let her take ownership of it and be her cheerleader. Help her get her creative juices flowing on what others are campaigning and what SHE has to offer. Help her recognize where she might be weaker in some areas and how to make her strengths shine that much more to compensate. I'm a big believer in that idea that a parent's job is to prepare our kids for real life; that means taking the bull by the horns and handling what ever outcome may happen. Parents are the best support people!
2006-09-13 21:51:53 · answer #4 · answered by threedscreations 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Teachers pet probably will be the last place person, unless it is teachers that vote.
I would have your daughter tell the deciding factors that she would really like to be the president and why.... with the and why part being of the utmost imporatance.
2006-09-12 03:35:05 · answer #5 · answered by Jennifer 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Do something unique like a vote for Olivia is a vote for in the experience that your searching for a solid vice chairman, you do not ought to circulate to Bolivia,merely vote for Olivia! cheesy i understand in spite of the undeniable fact that that is all I have been given (I unquestionably have a sister named Olivia :)
2016-10-14 22:16:30 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋