What does it really mean to support your kids’ education? As a bonus mom, I learned very early on that supporting my son was more than just doing homework on the kitchen table and showing up to parent-teacher conferences. Really helping your kid(s) succeed in school is about awareness, intention, involvement, and advocacy—and while those are big words and concepts, being a good, present parent isn’t as hard as you think. (Thank goodness!)
Here are some suggestions for being more connected to your child’s education, learning how to navigate the ups and downs of their school experience, and finding joy along the way!
Support Homework Expectations
Homework (or out-of-class learning) is an integral part of your child’s school experience. As a parent, involvement in this area is key, even as your child gets older. Oftentimes, your kids’ teachers will give directions or expectations for homework. Supporting these expectations is important for various reasons; for example, keeping your child on track, increasing his/her confidence, building a bridge between school and home, and fostering a positive parent-teacher relationship.
Some homework might be manageable, and other assignments may require outside research (thank goodness for YouTube!) and/or reaching out to the teacher(s) directly for resources. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! It’s better to ask and support your child correctly than end up instructing something completely wrong.
If your child doesn’t have homework, then engaging him or her in out-of-class activities, sports/music/theatre, extracurriculars, or even a part-time job can help build this independence, responsibility, and work ethic in the same way that homework does.
Invest In Extra Education
Additional academic support isn’t just for students with special needs or learning disabilities. Regardless of whether your child is excelling in school or falling behind, extra help (whether 1:1 tutoring, online courses, personalized instruction, or supplementary practice, etc.) can help to bridge learning gaps, give them an academic ‘edge,’ or encourage their curiosity.
Remember that there are so many resources out there! From opportunities like hybrid learning, trade schools, internship programs, or even places where you can pursue secondary education and leave with an IB diploma, it’s all about what motivates, encourages, and excites your kids.
Be Involved In Their Day-To-Day
If you really want to help your kid(s) succeed in school, then the most important thing you can do is get involved. Meet your child’s teachers and friends. Volunteer your time to hep with events on campus. Participate in PTA meetings. Prepare for conferences. And perhaps most importantly, build relationships (with your child, of course, but also his/her teachers).
When you’re involved, you’ll learn more about your child’s strengths and weaknesses and determine how best to support them at home. Your child’s teachers might also be able to recommend various tools and aids that could make learning easier. Or, depending on your child’s specific learning challenges, they may also recommend that your child pursues additional support, for example, an IEP (Individualized Education Plan for individuals with special needs) which can be instrumental if your child struggles to learn traditionally.
As a parent, your ultimate goal is to see your child succeed. However, it’s important—especially as you get involved—to not overstep. You don’t want to do everything for your child and/or keep them from being their own advocate. They will lean on you, but keep them standing on their own two feet!
Regardless of how old your child is or where you are in your journey, it’s not too difficult to support them, and most importantly, it’s never too late to start.