How to Help Your Child Succeed at School

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In 2020, 93% of schoolchildren relied on distance learning as part of their education.

In the new age of distance learning and digital inequality, the ability to help your child succeed at school is more important than ever. School success early on means success in life when your child is grown and making their own choices.

And to get the most out of your child’s schooling, you’re going to need an A on your parenting report card.

Be On-Hand to Help

There’s a common denominator when talking about academic excellence. And it’s that parents who are invested and willing to help their child succeed are usually the parents of successful schoolchildren.

It might sound like common sense, but it’s not. Many parents assume that teaching and learning are the responsibilities of the teachers.

Be available to your child and make regular inquiries about what’s happening at school. Repeat often that you’re there for them. And – even if you’ve had a hard day at work – don’t turn them down when they ask for help.

Saying no will only make them less likely to ask you when they really need it.

Get To Know the School

Check out the school’s website. Read up on its teachers, and try to never miss a parent-teacher conference.

Conferences are a chance for an honest head-to-head with your child’s teachers. They’re your first port of call in knowing how to succeed at school. And remember: Your child isn’t the same when they’re surrounded by their peers.

Your teacher is the one inside the classroom. You don’t get to see that side of them. And uncomfortable as it may be if they’re highlighting a negative, it’s always best to listen to them.

Teach Study Skills at Home

Look beyond homework assignments: Self-study isn’t just for college students.

Test-taking is a natural part of schooling that accompanies your child throughout their education. When it comes to exams, your child is only as good as their learning strategy.

It’s not easy to figure out without a guiding hand.

But learning to study for tests involves deeper learning around executive function. In simple terms, it describes a person’s ability to overcome their impulses, and organize and execute a plan.

The unfortunate thing?

It’s vital for success. Let’s face it, schoolwork can be pretty dry. It covers a lot of topics, and nobody is fascinated (or, at least, mildly interested) in everything.

Executive function is what separates straight-A students from those who are failing a lot of classes. And unfortunately, it’s often taught implicitly. Successful students figure it out the hard way without realizing it.

You can click here to learn more about how executive function impacts performance.

It’s About More Than the Grades

Good grades are an easy way of seeing where your child is doing well and where they’re not. Yet school is about much more than letters on a report card.

Schooling teaches social skills and critical thinking. And in that regard, good attendance is as important as good outcomes. It’s fine to keep them home from school if they’re ill, but regular absence hurts academic success.

For longer or recurring absences, make sure to check in with your child’s teacher about how to keep your child up to speed when they return.

School Success Is Investment in the Future

An outgoing social life, a stable career, and a healthy outlook are all built on a stable foundation. And that foundation begins in the early years of your child’s school success.

If you found our article useful in thinking about your child’s schooling, be sure to check out others in our education category.