As parents, we all want the same things for our children: to be healthy, happy, and successful in all that they do. It’s no surprise that the groundwork for achieving each of these goals starts in the place where our children spend around 30 hours per week — school. Whether your child is just starting out in Pre-K or is progressing through high school, there are several ways that you can positively influence their academic career. Check out the following habits that are sure to keep your child on the right track for long-term academic success.
1. Establish Routines Early
Children thrive when they are in a routine. Not only do routines help children know what is expected of them, but they also help hone important skills like organization, follow-through, and planning. If children are taught to prioritize their schoolwork and daily tasks early on, it will be easier to stay on top of their work as they get older. By setting the expectation that your child should complete their schoolwork right after they get home, they are more likely to see the value of academics as they age.
2. Prioritize Reading
It’s no secret that reading is one of the most powerful tools in developing a child’s love of learning. By reading to your child from an early age, you are exposing them to the world of discovery and knowledge that lies within books. Even if your child is older, it’s not too late to show them the value of reading. Stop by the library on the way home or put on an audiobook while driving in the car. Simply surrounding your child with books is the first step. The chances are that they will find something that piques their interest once they’re inside the library.
3. Set Expectations, but Allow for Mistakes
As much as we all want our children to succeed, mistakes are a crucial part of that journey. Setting clear expectations is a fantastic way to encourage children to apply themselves. However, it is equally important to understand that they might miss the mark sometimes. By helping your child see that failure can be a great teacher, you are developing their resilience and determination. With this in mind, if you notice that your child is struggling in one subject more than others, consider whether they could benefit from tutoring.
4. Know What’s Going on
Yet another way to help your child succeed academically is to stay informed. Meet the teacher, ask questions and check in on your child while they do their homework. By being engaged in your child’s academic life, you are showing them that school is a priority and that you are available to help. If necessary, you can hire an online tutor for 1:1 sessions. On top of that, if you keep up with what’s going on at school, you can more easily get involved and help your child make smart choices about their future.
5. Offer Positivity and Support
There’s no doubt that kids today have a lot on their plate. From schoolwork and extracurriculars to friends and family life, there’s no shortage of tasks on the to-do list. More likely than not, your children are already feeling the stress of academics on some level. As a parent, offering positivity and support can be invaluable to let your child know that you are there for them no matter what. By implementing these strategies, you can give your child the tools to succeed, both academically and in the years to come post-graduation.
Plug Into Community
Helping your children reach their full academic potential can feel like a never-ending job. That being said, one of the best ways to stay on your parenting A-game is to find community among fellow parents. Not only will connecting with other parents normalize whatever you and your children are going through, but it will also help prepare you for what’s ahead.
As a dedicated parent, I’m proud to offer numerous resources for fellow parents that are sure to help children thrive in school. Together, we’ll navigate all of the twists and turns that life has to offer.
