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Give your preschool child a head start for school.

What do teenager like to do most? Sleep, eat and argue! Why not let them join the Debate Team at school? They can argue constructively and learn at the same time.

Check with your school and see exactly what is offered. Many schools have a debate team that goes along with their school studies. Sometimes schools will give your child extra credit in certain subjects. Even if it is only an extra curricular activity it will still be worth it for your child.

Help your child research their topics of debate. With all the resources available now like the Internet, libraries and book stores, researching topics is a snap. Your child might know the basics but help them to find the important facts. Whether debating for or against a topic they will need to know how to pick out the necessary areas for their debate.

Let your child debate with you. Take a few minutes to listen to your child’s side of the debate. Come back with questions and statements concerning the opposite side. This will help your child to understand both sides and become more passionate about their views.

When the time comes for your child to stand up in front of people to have their debate, be there for them. You might not agree with the subject, their views or their ideas but be there to encourage them. Help your child to know that it’s okay to think for themselves and have an opinion of their own. Your child will learn discipline, socialization and not everyone has the same opinion on things and most importantly, that it’s ok.

Submitted by Nicole