Being a parent is often as stressful as it is joyful - knowing what to do and what not to do to help your children in life is a challenge and the same is true of the Community Project. This guiding website is as much for you as it is for your son. The most important element is for you to be aware of deadlines (see the "Timeline" tab) and to know the basics about the project, its stages of development and its assessed components.
Do
encourage your son to start thinking and talking about his Community Project early and to keep a record of his ideas in his process journal
listen to his ideas - without passing comment unless your opinion is asked for
offer your support and make yourself available to help if needed - eg. taking him to a particular place or event of interest
suggest potential mentors who may have expertise in your son’s chosen field of inquiry
ask casual questions about his progress from time to time
show an interest
encourage him to take responsibility for his own project and his own success
Don’t
force your own ideas for good projects upon them
take over the project
be afraid to say ‘no’ if something puts too many demands on the family or costs too much
be offended if your son looks to others for guidance