What parent doesn’t want to see their child thrive in school? A good education gives kids the tools they need to support themselves, be good citizens, and navigate their world.
Nurturing love for learning and instilling confidence in your child puts them on a path of life-long growth.
While most academic learning takes place in the classroom, there are numerous opportunities at home to set kids up for success. Here are some ways you can support your child’s academic needs.
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Engage Tutors
Sometimes your child needs more help than they are getting in the classroom. Working with a tutor gives your student the one-on-one time they need to succeed. Tutoring is especially beneficial for focusing on subject areas that need extra attention and practice. Tutors are also a tremendous resource for helping prepare your older student for standardized tests like the ACT or SAT.
An online tutoring service can be just as effective as — and often more convenient than — in-person lessons. This form of tutoring shouldn’t be mistaken for the remote classroom learning children were required to do during the pandemic. Individualized attention allows the tutor and student to build a relationship solely focused on your child’s success.
Be a Good Role Model
As a parent, you want to set a good example for your children. If you display the qualities of a hardworking person, those characteristics are likely to rub off. A good work ethic doesn’t come only from a job. You can display this trait by intentionally caring for yourself, your family, and your community.
Look for opportunities to explain how you’ve achieved your different goals and advise them on how they can do the same.
You also want to showcase other characteristics crucial to success, like kindness, honesty, and dedication. Striving for greatness in your own life gives your child the blueprint for becoming the best version of themselves. However, you also want to show your child what it looks like to be human.
No one is perfect, and you will inevitably make mistakes. It is about how you handle those times that make you a great role model and parent.
Prioritize Routines and Organization
Routines are an excellent way to keep your child focused and on track academically. Accomplishing day-to-day tasks is easier when a child knows what to expect and can easily transition to different activities. Set aside dedicated time for homework and other learning opportunities each day.
Not only does this practice give your child the time they need to complete their work, it also makes your expectations clear.
Organization is foundational for staying on top of assignments and meeting academic goals. It reduces chaos and unwanted stress, which can unnecessarily throw your student off course. Show your child the best way to organize their schoolwork with folders, binders, agendas, and other helpful supplies.
Teaching organization for school enables kids to apply these skills in other areas for the rest of their lives.
Encourage Healthy Habits
Healthy habits at home provide a foundation for your child’s overall well-being, especially regarding their studies. Getting a good night’s sleep, eating nutritious food, and exercising are the best habits to teach your young ones. It is difficult for your student to thrive academically if they’re exhausted, so be diligent about bedtime.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that teens get 8-10 hours of sleep per night, while 6- to 12-year-olds need 9-12 hours.
Preparing healthy meals for your child with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains significantly impacts their academic performance. Foods with nutrients like iron, omega 3, and folate are crucial to brain functioning and development. Additionally, you should encourage your student to get enough physical exercise.
Your child can acquire this healthy habit through team sports or at-home playtime.
Get to Know Their Teachers
Establishing open communication with each of their teachers lets you get a fuller picture of your child’s academic performance. Introduce yourself at the beginning of the school year and let teachers know they shouldn’t hesitate to contact you if necessary. This connection encourages the teacher to reach out if any concerns or observations need to be brought to your attention.
Attending back-to-school nights and parent-teacher conferences is crucial to staying informed on your child’s academic performance. You and your child’s teachers want to see your young one excel academically, so remember that you are a team. Being in touch regularly helps you stay on the same page and get updated on your student’s education.
Set Up a Reward System
Like bonuses in the workplace, incentives can be a fantastic motivator for kids. Your child knows there are consequences for bad behavior, so why not reward them for doing what’s right? Positive reinforcement might involve taking your kid for ice cream or a trip to the park if they do well on a test. Your reward system could also include an allowance bump for good grades on a report card.
The type of reward will likely depend on the student’s age. However, ensure your child understands that doing what is expected of them won’t always come with a prize. Instead, you can view your reward system as a way to encourage healthy striving and building self-esteem.
Pathways to Success
Raising a child who excels in school doesn’t happen overnight. You will have to be continuously mindful of the habits you’re supporting and adjust your approach when necessary. You should also keep in mind that the pathway to success isn’t always linear. Your child will face failure, which isn’t a reflection on their job as a student or yours as a parent.
Success will also look different as your young one navigates elementary, middle, and high school. One of the best things you can do is be your child’s biggest cheerleader. Thriving academically will be more attainable when they know they’ve always got you in their corner.
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