Communicating with your child's teacher is one way to help him succeed at school. But just how often should you contact the teacher，and what questions should you ask？How can you help your child succeed in school？

Jerry Parks，a social studies teacher is. to share his thoughts. Parks keeps in touch with parents through emails，class websites，and phone calls. " Parents who take an active interest in their children's work and school well-being are one of the biggest contributors to my students' success，"Parks says. Children of involved parents typically have higher self-esteem（自尊）and have fewer behavior problems in school. And students' grades usually improve when their parents become involved.

Parks suggests the top 6 ways parents can help their children succeed in school: first，make sure your child is at school every day possible. Missed work is generally more of a loss than made-up work is a gain；second，set a time and a place for your child to do homework. If he does not have homework，have him use the time to read；third，keep in touch with teachers，but don't do it too much. Most teachers appreciate parents caring enough to keep in touch a few times a term but do not appreciate parents expecting to contact on a regular basis. Besides，it seems appropriate to ask the teacher whether she thinks your child is giving his best effort in class and whether she has noticed any significant changes in your child's behavior or grades. More importantly，teach your child to build a character—it will improve social and academic skills more than anything else. Some things are simply wrong，and the world your child will grow up in will punish crimes，so give your child a head start. Last but not least，make time every day to talk with your child about the day's activities. Let him know you care，and really listen to what he has to say.

   In the United States alone,over 100 million cell-phones are thrown away each year.Cell-phones are part of a growing mountain of electronic waste like computers and personal digital assistants.The electronic waste stream is increasing three times taster than traditional garbage as a whole.

Electronic devices contain valuable metals such as gold and silver.A Swiss study reported that while the weight of electronic goods represented by precious metals was relatively small in comparison to total waste,the concentration（含量）of gold and other precious metals was higher in So-called e-waste than in naturally occurring minerals.

Electronic wastes also contain many poisonous metals.Even when the machines are recycled and the harmful metals removed,the recycling process often is carried out in poor countries,in practically uncontrolled ways which allow many poisonous substances to escape into the environment.

Creating products out of raw materials creates much more waste material,up to 100 times more,than the material contained in the finished products.Consider again the cell-phone,and imagine the mines that produced those metals,the factories needed to make the box and packaging（包装）it came in.Many wastes produced in the producing process are harmful as well.

The U.S Environmental Protection Agency notes that most waste is dangerous in that"the production, distribution,and use of products-as well as management of the resulting waste-all result in greenhouse gas release." Individuals can reduce their contribution by creating less waste at the start-for instance,buying reusable products and recycling.

In many countries the concept of extended producer responsibility is being considered or has been put in place as an incentive（动机）for reducing waste.If producers are required to take back packaging they use to sell their products,would they reduce the packaging in the first place?

Governments' incentive to require producers to take responsibility for the packaging they produce is usually based on money.Why,they ask,should cities or towns be responsible for paying to deal with the bubble wrap（气泡垫）that encased your television?

From the governments' point of view,a primary goal of laws requiring extended producer responsibility is to transfer both the costs and the physical responsibility of waste management from the government and tax-payers back to the producers.

   Over the years, I've received a lot of advice from friends and family, trained professionals and books on how to get along with others and build strong relationships. Most of it is insightful（有见地的） and effective but when I'm caught up in the moment, I find it hard to apply what I've learned. This is especially true when it involves a multi-step process.

After analyzing many methods and experimenting in my own interactions（交流）, I've found one simple guideline that has helped me strengthen every one of my interpersonal relationships. This simple easy-to-remember tip is: Make the other person feel important.

No one likes to feel small and most conflicts（冲突）occur when you make others feel unimportant whether you plan to or not. The key to getting along with almost anyone is to avoid actions that diminish others and replace them with actions that build up others. Actually,you can strengthen your relationships with many actions.

When you interact with someone, give him your undivided attention. Don't look around to see what else is going on or check your phone or watch. Take time to listen and respond  accordingly to show  you're engaged. Make the other person feel like he is the most important person you’re meeting with.

Nothing will make someone light up more brightly than showing genuine interest in him. Be curious and ask specific questions based on what you hear. The more questions you ask, the better the interaction will go but keep in mind that you must be sincere. If you try to fake it, people can tell.

When it is possible,show that you consider the other person remarkable. Find opportunities to speak highly of this person to others as often as you honestly can. One trap to avoid is making others feel  more important by putting yourself down. This is never helpful so it's important that you lift others up in a way that respects everyone including you.

Keep Calm During the Hard Times

When life gets hard, sometimes it's not easy to control yourself and not to sink deep into the bad feelings. Have you ever wondered how some people can be so calm during the hard times？【小题1】 Here are four things you can do to get through hard times.

Cry if you need to-for a while. Some people like to control themselves.【小题2】 If you do control them, it's like holding a ball under the water. You can do it for a while, but it will finally come back to the surface. So have a good cry once in a while to help you think more clearly.【小题3】 Lost in the bad emotions, we won't change anything. Let's say you just lost your job. Maybe it is a shock. After crying, then you should make the decision to put your calm hat on. Start to find new jobs. Then do something.

Ask for help. Unluckily, a lot of people think that asking for help is a sign of weakness. It's not!【小题4】 Nowhere! Having other people support you will make you feel like you have more power than before.

Believe that things will get better. If you don't believe that things will change, then they won't. I always love Henry Ford's words, "Whether you think you can or you think you can't-you are right." If you think things will get better, then they finally will. If you think they won't, then they won't.【小题5】

Stay calm when life gets hard. If you practice these steps on a regular basis, sooner or later it will become second nature to you.