by Adina Soclof, MS. CCC-SLPEvery parent wants to see their child succeed in school, but it can be a struggle for some. But don’t worry, there are ways to help your child overcome difficulties. Here’s a few tips to get you started.
DITCH THE PRESSURE
We all think that kids who have straight “A”s are guaranteed to experience success in life. But it’s not necessarily true! As parents we need to rethink our values. Sure good grades are important but at what cost to your child’s sense of self worth? There are many people who did not do well in school but have achieved greatness in life such as Albert Einstein and Steve Jobs. You may even have some childhood friends who didn’t experience success in school but went on to experience success in life. Your child’s gifts and talents are not limited to the confines of the classroom, and may only be after they leave that they truly begin to flourish.
FOCUS ON LEARNING WHAT YOU LOVE
Parents often use grades as a litmus test of classroom success. They may ask questions like:
“How did you do on your test?”
“Why didn’t you get an “A”?
“You need to study more to get good grades!”
Instead, talk to them developing a love of learning which encourages curiosity:
“Was there something interesting you learned today?”
“What piqued your interest today in school?”
“You learned about the different parts of your brain? You’ve always been interested in how your body works!”
Every once in a while be sure to tell your child, “I care more that you enjoy learning than you getting good grades. It’s really important to me that that you find something that interests you and want to learn more about it.”
Ironically, the more we let our kids know that their grades are not everything, the more they will take school seriously themselves.
SOME TRADITIONAL APPROACHES TO HELPING YOUR CHILD SUCCEED AT SCHOOL
ROUTINES
Adding some simple organizational routines to your child’s day such as keeping track of school activities, setting up consistent routines and ensuring they have enough rest will get them off on the right foot. Not only that, but parents who are actively involved in their children’s education help to enrich their learning experience. One example might be setting up a homework routine. Ask your child what the best time might be for them to do their homework. The more input they have in setting up their schedule, the more likely they will stick to it. If there’s no homework assigned for the day, encourage your child to go outside and play, or play some educational games. Puzzles, sudoko, scrabble, word searches, all keep your child’s brain working.
GETTING ADEQUATE REST
Sleep is important for everyone because it allows the brain to recharge itself. If your child doesn’t get enough sleep, it will affect their performance both in school and out of school. Sleep is necessary for the body to function properly so make sure your child gets at least eight hours of sleep each night.
IT’S OKAY TO BE LAID BACK
Take an interest in your child’s academics but do not be overbearing about it. Even though it’s probably been decades since you were in school, you should still try to check their homework and help them out when necessary. Remember, reading with children is a good way to spark interest in learning; and it’s also a great\ way to spend quality time with your child and built family bonds in a low-key manner.
GOOD ORGANIZATION IS KEY
Help your child to stay organized when it comes to school activities. Make sure to ask your child’s input as to what he/she thinks will help them to stay organized. Kids have the greatest ideas. Remember that different things work for different people. Keep a wall calendar in your house with your child’s schedule and assignments. There are also lots of organizational apps that can also help.
Try some of these ideas out with your child and be sure to let me know how things are going!
This post originally appeared on www.parentingsimply.com/help-your-child-succeed-in-school
