We know that education is important for our children, but what do they think?
Do they bounce out of bed every day desperate to go to school, or do they drag their feet out of the door with reluctance to start another day of school?
Do they hand their homework in on time, or have you been getting letters from your child's teacher recently letting you know the opposite?
Some children place value on their education, and some don't. It's a fact of life, and you will have fallen into one of those categories when you are at school. But whatever the case, you can make a difference. There are things you can do to keep your child on track with their education.
You can find out what they are studying at school
A conversation with their teacher or a look at the school website will give you an idea of what your child is currently learning within the curriculum. You can ask your child too, but depending on your child's attitude to school, whether they tell you is another matter entirely. Still, after finding out what they are studying, you can then find ways to continue that learning out of school hours, perhaps with a weekend trip to a place of educational interest, or by purchasing books that will engage your child into learning more. You can also talk to your child about the subjects they are learning, doing your best to hold informal conversations that inspire debate and discussion about the themes that are present within the curriculum. Don’t forget that schooling staff is here to help you as well, not just your child, and most will be transparent about their current course and the learning objectives they have. Some leaders, such as Principal David Krakoff, are highly communicative about their approach and values. This will be invaluable for any parent.
You can be a good role model
Your attitude to learning can make all the difference to your child, so try to role model good behavior. Don't gossip about your child's teachers, criticize the learning methods being used by the school, or talk about your own schooling in an overly negative way. When your child talks to you about their school day, actively listen to what they are saying and hold conversations to show that you are interested in what they are learning. And consider educating yourself too, perhaps by taking one of these courses on ceu online to benefit your life, and to show your child that learning is vital for personal and career progression.
You can actively help your child on a daily basis
At the start of the day, give your child a nutritious breakfast, so they have the energy to begin the day. When they come home, ask about homework, and offer to help if needed. Help your child with anything that is stressing them, be that issues with bullying or deadlines with exams. When sat at the dinner table, ask about your child's day, as this may be the only opportunity you will have to get a better understanding if they are otherwise hesitant to open up. Find out about their passions and help them consider them as a possible career. And encourage your child to get a good night's sleep, ensuring they wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day, and not groggy and reluctant to step out of the warm confines of their duvet.
It can be tough to keep your teen on track with their education, especially if they don't enjoy school, but by doing each of these things, you are showing that you care about your child's education, and this should create a ripple effect into their attitude about learning. Let me know what you think, and share your own tips too.
Hey there! My name is Rachael and I have been a private tutor for over 10 years. I earned my undergraduate degree in 2 and a half years and earned my graduate degree by age 22. I have tutored dozens of high school students, college students, and graduate students. I offer my resources and experience to help parents learn how to best help their teen or child that is struggling in school.
