It’s no secret that children these days are under a lot of pressure to succeed in school. With standardized tests and high stakes, parents are looking for any advantage they can give their children to help them achieve academic success. However, as a parent, there are many things you can do to help your child succeed at school. In this blog post, we will discuss eight of the most important things you can do to help your child thrive academically!
Practice With Your Child
One of the best things you can do to help your child succeed in school is to practice with them at home. This includes things like reading together, working on math problems, and even doing puzzles or brain-teasers. You can even find tests designed for specific grade levels online and have your child take them to see how they would fare on a real test. For that matter, 11+ sample papers with solutions are available for parents to help their children prepare for exams. By taking the time to practice with your child, you can help them build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the classroom.
Establish A Homework Schedule
It’s no secret that homework can be a source of stress for both parents and children. However, by establishing a homework schedule, you can help your child stay on track and avoid last-minute scrambling to finish assignments. This schedule should include time for breaks and leisure activities, as well as time to complete all homework assignments. You may also want to consider setting up a specific area in your home for homework, such as a desk in the child’s bedroom or a spot at the kitchen table. When your child knows when and where they are supposed to do their homework, it can help them stay focused and avoid distractions.
Maintain A Healthy Sleeping Schedule
In addition to homework, having a healthy sleeping schedule is essential for your child’s success in school. This means making sure they go to bed at a reasonable time and get enough sleep each night. Getting enough sleep is important for both physical and mental health, so it’s crucial that your child gets enough rest. You may also want to consider limiting screen time before bed, as the blue light from screens can interfere with sleep. When setting up a schedule, you could, for example, have your child turn off all screens one hour before bedtime and read a book or listen to calm music until it’s time to sleep. In addition, you should make sure your child’s bedroom is dark and quiet to promote good sleep.
Trust Your Child
One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to trust your child. This means giving them the space to make mistakes and learn from them. It also means trusting their judgment and letting them know that you believe in them. When you trust your child, it helps them build confidence and feel supported. In turn, this can help them succeed in school and in other areas of their life. It is also important that you take their side when they are facing challenges, such as bullying. By being supportive and understanding, you can help your child overcome anything that comes their way.
Foster Parent-Teacher Relationship
The relationship that parents and teachers have with each other can influence a child’s success in school. When parents and teachers work together, it can help children feel supported and motivated. There are many things you can do to foster a positive relationship with your child’s teacher, such as attending parent-teacher conferences, volunteering in the classroom, or sending notes of appreciation. You should also make sure to communicate with the teacher if you have any concerns about your child’s progress or well-being. On the other hand, if the relationship between you and the teacher is strained, it’s important to try to resolve any conflict. By doing so, you can help ensure that your child has a positive experience at school.
Don’t Worship Grades
One of the biggest mistakes parents can make is placing too much emphasis on grades. While good grades are certainly important, they should not be the only thing that you focus on. Instead, try to emphasize the importance of learning and growth. When grades are the only thing that matters, it can put a lot of pressure on children and make them feel like they’re not good enough. This can lead to anxiety and even depression in extreme cases. Instead of focusing on grades, try to encourage your child to do their best and praise them for their effort.
Foster Independence
Your child has to learn to be independent if they want to succeed in school. This means being able to do things on their own, such as getting dressed in the morning or packing their own lunch. It also means being able to manage their time and stay organized. One way you can help your child develop independence is by giving them age-appropriate responsibilities at home. For example, you could have them help with laundry or set the table for dinner. As they get older, you can gradually give them more responsibility. Another way to foster independence is to encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities. This could include joining a sports team or taking part in a club at school.
Apply for Special Services if Your Child Needs It
If your child is struggling in school, you may want to consider applying for special services. This could include things like tutoring, counseling, or an individualized education program (IEP). These services can help your child catch up and succeed in school. To apply for special services, you will need to contact your child’s school or the district office. And don’t worry! There’s no shame in asking for help. The most important thing is that your child gets the support they need to succeed.
By following these tips, you can help your child have a successful school year. Just remember to be supportive and understanding, and to communicate with your child’s teacher if you have any concerns. With a little effort, you can help your child reach their full potential.
This was a helpful read as my son is starting school in September. I do really want to practice with him so he knows he’s not alone. And unlike my parents I do not want to worship grades. I think learning should be fun and not fearful so they remember what they learn.
Little steps to big achievements for our younger generation
Excellent advice for good results. A colleague used to swear by sitting at the kitchen table every weekday early evening with his children. They did their homework and he did his accounts and correspondence. He was able to help them, if necessary, and it became a habit for the children that they carried into their teens and adulthood.