6 Ways Parents Can Better Support Student Success

Building well-rounded students who are prepared for the future is not just the job of teachers. As the old saying goes, “It takes a village.” Students are constantly watching, asking questions, and learning from the world and the people around them. Students are more successful when teachers, parents, and the community work together. There are many different things you can do at home to support your child in school.

1. Reduce the pressure on perfection.

Yes, you want your child to get good grades, but that doesn’t mean every score has to be a 100. Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone has subjects they are better at than others. Praise your child for their effort and their progress, letting them know that you are proud of them for trying their best and for the improvements they have made. When students feel like they have to be perfect, it can take a toll on their mental and physical health.

2. Let them learn from their mistakes.

Decisions and actions have natural consequences. As long as your child is not in danger, resist the temptation to always step in and fix things for them or remove challenges. It is good for them to figure things out on their own because then they know that they can do hard things. It also teaches them independence and builds their self-esteem. If they forgot to put their homework in their backpack or didn’t study for a test, it will be a reminder for what they can do differently next time.

3. Model your own love of learning.

Let your kids see you spending time reading or learning a new hobby. Show them how you prepare for a presentation at work. If you don’t know the answer to a question, look it up together. Be a good role model for your children so they see that the same skills and healthy habits they are learning in school apply in the workforce.

4. Find balance.

A lot of kids are involved in a variety of afterschool activities, and that is great. It allows them to develop new skills, foster critical thinking and teamwork, and learn how to communicate with different people. But having too many obligations can take away from the time they need for homework, studying, and projects. Work with your child to decide which groups or activities are most important to them, and which ones they can pause for now. It is important to teach them how to manage their time and prioritize tasks.

5. Stay engaged.

Take an interest in what your child is learning and what excites them. Talk to them about their day and what they are working on in their classes. If they have a big test coming up, help them create a study plan or quiz them using their flashcards or notes. Follow along with their grades online to make sure they’re doing okay and bring up your concerns if you see their performance dropping.

6. Listen to your child.

If your child says that their math class is really hard, or that they don’t understand something in physics, take them seriously. Don’t just tell them that they need to spend more time studying or doing homework, especially if you know they are a conscientious student. Validate their concerns and sign them up for tutoring so that they can get the one-on-one support they need with content, note taking, study skills, test strategies, and more.

Crafting Scholars builds customized learning plans for each student aligned with their individual needs and goals. Sometimes students are more receptive when getting help from someone other than their parents, and we are here to lend a hand. Contact us today to learn more and get started.