Here are 10 ways you can help your children succeed in school

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It's not all up to the schools to teach children. In fact, the role parents play is just as great, if not more so. And when the two work together, good things can happen.

As MegaSkills author Dorothy Rich puts it, "In this complex world, it takes more than a good school to educate children. And it takes more than a good home. It takes these two major educational institutions working together."

Studies show that the greater the parents' active involvement in their children's education, the greater the students' — and the schools' — success, in everything from better test scores to more positive behavior to higher graduation rates.

Here, from a variety of experts, are 10 ways parents — or grandparents or other adults — can help their children succeed in school:

1. Value learning. Make it a priority in your home. Model it yourself with what you do yourself, and what you do with your children. And make learning fun, whether it's by watching educational programming, reading together, visiting museums and parks, going to the library or playing "thinking" games.

2. Be actively involved in your children's education. Talk with them about school, what they're learning, what they're thinking, what they like and don't like. Be aware each day of homework, and be available to help as needed — but don't do it for them.

3. Establish a routine for school days. Schedule regular daily times for meals, for homework and reading, for recreation and entertainment, and for bedtime. Designate a special place for children to do homework.

4. Keep an eye on television, computer games, texting and other activities. Not only can they become addictive, they also can work against development of critical thinking skills. You don't need to eliminate them, but you do need to limit them.

5. Make sure children eat right. Children who have proper nutrition are better learners. And whether it's prepared at home or served at school, children need to start their day with a good breakfast. Limit caffeine and high-sugar consumption and avoid junk food. Studies also show that children whose families eat dinner together get better grades and are less likely to indulge in risky behaviors as teens.

6. Make sure children get sufficient sleep. Going to bed too late and getting up early results in irritability, lower energy levels and shorter attention spans, all of which impede learning. Establish a regular bedtime and stick with it.

7. Make sure children get enough exercise. Physical activities improve fitness, reduce childhood obesity, relieve stress and help learning. Don't let your children become couch (or computer) potatoes.

8. Don't overbook children's schedules. Quality is better than quantity, so don't go overboard with after-school or extra- curriculum activities. Instead, help children pick and choose, and create a good balance between organized activities and family-focused time.

9. Make sure children go to school. Unless they're sick, don't take them out of school. There is a direct correlation between attendance and academic success — and graduation rates.

10. Get involved in your children's school. Stay connected with teachers. Don't hesitate to raise concerns, ask questions or seek help when children are struggling. Volunteer to help in the classroom or at special events. Attend back-to-school night and open houses.