Disclaimer: This article uses the word “parent,” but the tips we provide can apply to grandparents, caregivers, aunts, uncles, and older siblings, among others.
Most people assume that children from well-off families and attend prestigious private schools have a better shot at attaining various education. Yes, quality education gives one an edge. However, continuous parental involvement and support have a heavier impact on a growing child’s academic performance.
Although, doting parents still don’t have a free pass to go overboard and back up their child on every activity or project. Spoon-feeding impedes learning as much as zero parental involvement does. You need to strike a balance. Keep reading for simple, practical tips on how parents can support their children without pampering them!
Talk about Academics in a Positive Light
A lot of cartoons talk badly about school. They make a mockery of the negative aspects, such as homework, bullies, and mean teachers. Exposure to these cartoons causes the child to see school and academics in a negative light as well.
Now, you don’t necessarily have to cut out cartoons from your kid’s life. However, start talking positively about school. Highlight how schools allow them to make plenty of new friends, discover new things, and experiment on various projects. Overall, make school seem fun.
Know Your Kid’s Circle of Friends
Exercise caution with this portion of your parenting plan. Set boundaries and limitations on what you can and cannot do when getting to know the kids your child hangs out with. You wouldn’t want to appear intrusive. Otherwise, your kids might end up resenting you, especially once they hit their teenage years.
- Do familiarize yourself with the kids in your child’s circle of friends.
- Don’t mingle with them as if they’re your buddies as well.
- Do ask a bit about their parents to gauge the values and principles their family upholds.
- Don’t stereotype your kid’s friends based on what their parents do for a living or where they live.
- Do gauge whether the child shows respect toward authority.
- Don’t spank or correct them—they’re not your kids!
Visit School More Often
Volunteer your time to school activities. Plenty of public and private schools coordinate with students’ parents to form various organizations and volunteer groups, from parent-teacher associations to cleanup drives.
The goal here is to learn more about the school your child attends. After all, kids spend more time in school than at home. So it’s only natural that the school environment will significantly impact your child’s growth and development.
Note: Try not to dote on them too much at school. Bear in mind that kids don’t like being treated like babies in front of their kids. Do not embarrass them.
Monitor Homeworks and Projects
Set aside them to keep your child company as they do their homework. Track their progress regularly to assess what subjects they struggle with, what they excel in, and how they approach academics as a whole.
Although, do not give them the answers to the questions. Your job consists of overseeing their work and monitoring their study habits. You can only interfere with difficult questions. Even then, however, you will only offer hints and tips.
Consult the Teachers
Do not forgo meeting with the teachers. Yes, we understand that quarterly parent-teacher conferences can get quite dragging. However, teachers have access to every quiz, project, assignment, and test your child has ever submitted. No one has a better grasp of your child’s academic performance.
With that in mind, try checking in with the school teachers more often. If possible, ask if you can book a simple one-on-one call every month or so to discuss your child’s performance.
Of course, keep the meetings concise. Teachers oversee dozens of children, so you cannot force them to spend all their time analyzing one student.
Encourage Reading
Reading comprehension plays an integral role in one’s development. No matter what career you follow, whether you hold an Online Human Services Degrees or if you are a social media influencer, good reading comprehension will give you an advantage over your peers. That’s why as a parent, make it your mission to train your kid’s reading comprehension as early as possible.
Create Non-Academic Learning Opportunities
Learning does not directly equate to academics. Make school an enjoyable process for your children by creating non-academic learning opportunities for them.
For example, they can engage in extracurricular activities. Have them explore various fields, such as sports, arts, and music, to uncover their unique skills and talents.
Engage in Fun After-School Activities
Supplement your kid’s academics with real-life applications of the things they’ve learned in school. For example, let’s say they recently learned about American history. You can take them to museums that feature important artifacts, items, and souvenirs commemorating various milestones in the cultivation of America.
The goal here isn’t to teach your kid new information but rather to help them understand how to apply their learnings in the real world. Anyone can memorize a textbook. However, only a select few can utilize their skills and resources to create a better version of themselves.
Observe Online Classes
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has forced most schools in the country to transition to distance learning methods. Teachers and educators strive to maintain a holistic, enriching learning environment. However, some students are having trouble adapting to the new system.
As someone who has access to your child at home, make time to oversee their online classes. You don’t have to be in the camera. All you have to do is sit quietly on the sidelines to ensure your kid has no trouble keeping with the lessons.
Also, keep distractions away. Too many kids play video games, scroll social media, or watch TV during online classes.
Talk to Your Child
Last, and most importantly, talk to your child. Do not undermine the positive effects of a healthy, open relationship where you and your kids can freely communicate with each other.
As you guide them through their academic journey, make sure to express your observations and confirm your findings with them openly. Jumping to conclusions will do more harm than good.
Cookie-cutter parenting plans never work, so don’t bother with them. Instead, use the tips mentioned above to create a unique, customized approach that allows you to play a more active role in your child’s academic life while still maintaining boundaries.
Overall, the goal is to help your child realize their full potential through your undying love and support. Let them know they have the freedom to explore whatever path they want and that you’re always there to lend a helping hand in times of trouble—no matter how old they get.
How do you take a more active role in their children’s education? Share your experience with us in the comments section below!
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