Many parents are still trying to figure out how to support their children’s academic success. It can be challenging to determine the right amount of support to provide, and this depends on your child’s age. Giving too much assistance can cause them to struggle, feel frustrated, or become overwhelmed.
A child’s success in school is more influenced by what the family does rather than how much money they earn or how much knowledge the parents possess. Parents can play a significant role in helping their children learn at home and throughout the school year. Here are some tips for parents to support their children’s success in school:
1. Make sure homework is completed
Keeping track of your child’s schoolwork can be challenging, especially if you’re working or involved in other activities. Stay in regular communication with your child’s teachers to understand the homework expectations. Discuss with the teacher to make appropriate plans for your child’s education. While it’s important to take an active role in ensuring homework completion, avoid shouldering the entire burden. Don’t do your child’s projects or assignments for them. If you find the homework too challenging, reach out to the teacher and express your concerns.
2. Make a plan and follow it
Set aside dedicated “quiet time” every day for reading or other tasks. Involve your child in establishing the guidelines for this time. Ask them to come up with three rules, such as gathering all necessary materials before starting, avoiding talking or playing games during quiet time, and completing all work before stopping. Write down these rules and post them around your home. When children are involved in creating the rules, they are more likely to follow them.
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3. Spend time talking about education
It is usually easy to discuss current events and other school-related topics with your child. Through these conversations, you can stay informed about the books they’re reading and the math exercises they’re practicing. However, busy parents sometimes forget to ask simple questions, which can negatively impact their child’s academic performance.
4. Make sure your child arrives at school promptly
Being disciplined is an effective strategy, but your child may not fully understand its importance. As a parent, you need to instill a sense of responsibility in your child, starting with the fundamental lesson of arriving at school on time. Once they grasp the importance of punctuality, you can gradually introduce other aspects of discipline.
5. Contact their teachers
If you have concerns about your child’s performance, it’s essential to talk to their teachers. Discuss their weaknesses and inquire about ways you can support them in overcoming these challenges. If you suspect something is bothering your child, consult with the teachers to gain a better understanding.
6. Educate yourself and support your child
If you’re worried about your child’s learning or behavior, it’s important to seek answers to specific questions. Understand the particular reading difficulties your child may have and explore ways you can help them. Find out how to motivate your child to complete their homework and inquire about the reading group they participate in. By educating yourself about your child’s changes in behavior or learning, you indirectly contribute to their improvement.
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7. Give learning a “real” feel
Experiential learning is highly valuable. Demonstrate to your child how academic skills are applied and relevant in daily life. For example, involve them in food preparation to teach fractions, time management, reading, and problem-solving. When working on the car, show them the internal components. Seek their assistance in balancing the checkbook. Encourage them to create shopping lists, reminders, and notes.
8. Encourage the development of independence
It’s important for a child to learn to manage their own learning experience. This means you should be willing to let go when they develop hobbies and begin reading for pleasure. Maintaining a daily “quiet time” even on weekends and during holidays is one way to promote independence. Introduce your child to enjoyable hobbies, such as reading sports scores in the newspaper’s sports section, that don’t involve homework.
A child’s success can be achieved in various ways, but as a parent, you want to ensure the best path for your child. To accomplish this, it’s important to be actively involved in their daily lives and ensure their academic progress is on track.