Contributing to the success of your younger kids in school can be difficult for parents to navigate. It’s a balance between being too involved and trying too hard to help and providing the support that they really need to succeed. There are definitely things you can do as a parent to help your child succeed at school, and many of them focus more on creating an environment that is conducive to learning and success rather than being a what is often called a helicopter parent. Here are a few things they need from you to be the best they can be.
Learn About Their School
It might sound a bit silly, but visit the school, walk around and learn about the different areas, what activities there are for them during their recess, and the general layout of the school. Use the school website too to learn about things like the school staff, upcoming events and activities and just general things about the school. This sort of information can greatly increase the meaningfulness of engaging with your child about their school day. If you know a lot about the school, you can relate more to what they tell you about what they did that day.
Get Them What They Need
The school will tell you what books and stationery your child will need for class, and while these are all essential for success, don’t stop there. Look at other things that might help them with practicing their work or engaging meaningfully with what they’re learning. For example, a Lenovo tablet with educational games or apps installed will boost their confidence in the ability to do the work they’ve been given. There are also some subscription services online that offer fun activities and games that align with the schoolwork they’re being given for each grade.
Be Strict on Homework
Homework is an important part of learning. Not only does it provide reinforcement of what they learned that day and is a tool to practice it, but it will also instil in your child a sense of work ethics and responsibility. You should support this by being strict on homework and only allowing things like games and television after they’ve completed their assigned homework. Make sure they have a quiet and well-lit and ventilated space to do their homework too, free from distractions.
Fuel Them Properly
Make sure you establish a good bedtime routine and that they are in bed and ready for sleep to give them the right amount of sleep. Kids between six and 12 need at least nine hours sleep, and closer to 12. In the morning before they leave in the morning, make sure they have had a good nutritious meal that will keep them fuelled until recess or lunch.
Parenting is no easy task, and there is a lot you have to navigate every day. There are so many books and guides on how to help your child succeed at school, and these few ways are only scratching the surface of how you, as a parent, can best equip your child for success.
