Did you know that poor parental support affects student growth and increases their risk of failing in school? That’s according to research. Although the main essence of school is to impact education in children, you should not leave all the work to the educational system. Many parents believe that only the school is primarily responsible for educating and impacting skills in children. But this is not entirely accurate, as various studies show that parental involvement and the home environment also play vital roles in child education. That means you don’t want to leave the work for the teachers if you want to see your child do better in school. But how can you help as a parent? Here are ten proven ways to help your kids do better in school.
1. Establish a routine
Set a consistent schedule for homework, studying, and bedtime to help your child develop good study habits. Establishing a routine at home can help your child by providing structure and consistency in their daily life. It can help children develop good study habits and time management skills, which are essential for success in school. Having a set schedule for homework, studying, and bedtime can also help your child learn to prioritize their tasks and manage their time more effectively. A consistent routine also makes children feel safe and secure, providing them with predictability and stability in their environment. That can, in turn, promote better mental and emotional well-being, allowing your child to be more focused and engaged in their studies. Additionally, having a routine can help your little one sleep better and wake up more refreshed for the next day.
2. Get involved in your child’s education
Attend parent-teacher conferences, stay informed about what your child is learning in school, and help them stay organized by regularly reviewing their assignments and progress. It also helps to be present in non-academic school activities like games, sports, etc. The more your child sees your interest in their school activities, the more motivated they will be to perform better.
Also, while your child already receives tests and assignments in school, it’s not a bad idea to conduct your tests at home after a home study period. For example, after assigning a reading task to your child, conduct a quick test to ascertain how well they understood what they read. Most teachers use a criterion referenced test to assess performance after tests, and you can consider using the same approach when you conduct tests at home.
3. Create a dedicated study space
A dedicated study space can help your child improve in school by creating a physical environment conducive to learning and concentration. Having a specific area in the home where your child can do homework and study can help them focus and minimize distractions. The study space should be well-lit, quiet, and free from distractions such as television or loud noises. It should also be equipped with all the necessary supplies and resources, such as a desk, chair, and bookshelves. This space should also help with mental association, allowing your child to associate that place as a study place. Also, you should reserve this space solely for studying to help your child form a stronger mental association between that space and the task of studying. That can make it easier for the child to focus and stay motivated when they are there.
4. Encourage reading
Reading is essential for learning and developing language skills. Consider encouraging your child to read regularly, be it books, newspapers, or magazines. Reading as often as necessary improves vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. Materials such as fiction, nonfiction, newspapers, and magazines, expose children to different writing styles and perspectives, which can broaden their understanding of the world.
Reading is also a great way for children to learn about new subjects and concepts that may be covered in school, which can help them better understand and retain information in class. Reading can also help kids improve their focus and concentration, allowing them to follow instructions better and stay engaged in class. Encouraging this by reading with your child, providing them access to a diverse range of books, and talking about their books can all help foster a love of reading in children and improve their academic performance.
5. Limit screen time
Excessive screen time can negatively impact a child’s ability to concentrate and learn. Set limits on how much your child can spend on electronic devices, and ensure they are not used during homework or study time. Reducing screen time can help reduce distractions and promote better focus and concentration. Excessive screen time can harm a child’s ability to concentrate and retain information. And this can also contribute to poor sleep habits. By setting limits on how much your child can spend on electronic devices, you can help them establish healthier habits and reduce the distractions they face when they are supposed to be studying or doing homework.
6. Help your child set goals
Set short-term and long-term goals with your child, and help them create a plan. Doing this will give them a sense of purpose and direction and help them stay motivated. It can improve their performance in school by providing them with a sense of purpose and direction and help them focus on what they want to achieve and create a plan to reach those goals. That can provide them with motivation and a sense of accomplishment, leading to better academic performance.
Setting goals can also help children develop important life skills such as time management, planning, and organization. When they have to complete a task, it becomes easier to set a deadline and prioritize their work accordingly, leading to better grades and academic performance.
7. Provide positive reinforcement
Encourage and praise your child for their hard work, and let them know that you are proud of their efforts. Positive reinforcement will help your child feel confident and motivated to continue doing their best while increasing their self-esteem and confidence. When children feel encouraged and praised for their hard work, it makes them feel valued and appreciated, which can lead to better academic performance.
Positive reinforcement can come in many forms, such as verbal praise, rewards, or special privileges, and can be used to acknowledge your child’s achievements or efforts. It also helps them to build a growth mindset. When a child is encouraged and praised for their efforts rather than just the outcome, they tend to be more resilient when faced with challenges and more willing to try again after experiencing failures.
8. Take an interest in your child’s interests
Showing an interest in your child’s hobbies and interests can help build a stronger bond with them and help with their learning by fostering a sense of engagement and passion for learning. When children are interested and excited about a topic, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated to learn more about it. By showing an interest in your child’s hobbies and interests, you can help them explore their passions and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Moreover, taking an interest in their interests can also foster creativity in children. Children who can express themselves creatively tend to be more engaged and motivated in their learning. This creativity can translate to better problem-solving skills and thinking out of the box, which are important skills in today’s education system.
9. Encourage extracurricular activities
Involvement in extracurricular activities can help your child develop important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and time management. It also can help them learn more about their interests and talents. The right extracurricular activities include playing a musical instrument, participating in a sport, or joining a club or hobby group. By engaging in these activities, your child can develop discipline, time management, and organizational skills, which are important for success in school.
Extracurricular activities can help children learn how to work in teams and build strong relationships with their peers, so keep this in mind. Furthermore, children involved in these programs tend to have more positive attitudes and higher self-esteem, leading to greater motivation and better academic performance.
10. Show love and support
Another important factor is to give your child emotional and moral support, as a child who feels loved and supported will be more motivated to do well in school. When a child feels loved and supported, they tend to have more positive attitudes and higher self-esteem, which can lead to greater motivation and better academic performance. You can show love and support by spending quality time with your child, giving them positive feedback and encouragement, and being involved in their education. While you must set clear boundaries and expectations for your child’s behavior and academic performance, you should do so in a supportive and loving manner. Also, children who feel supported are more likely to open up and share their struggles or difficulties, which can allow parents to help them work through those issues and improve their school performance.
