As a parent, you are not only the primary nurturer of your children, but you are also their advocate and biggest supporter. I learned this early with my stepson, especially when I had to step in and push for change around his learning disabilities. What I discovered is what I knew from my own parents—that when you are involved and support your child’s education, AND you help that child engage in his/her own progress, it makes a huge difference.
Supporting your child’s education plays a crucial role in shaping their future.
A good education can open up many opportunities and lead to confidence, connection, and, of course, a brighter future in an ever-changing world. And perhaps more importantly, a good education builds skills that are necessary for life: critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
So, where do you start? Here are some tips:
1. Foster A Love For Learning
In a 2019 poll, 81% of parents agreed that being involved in their child’s education is essential for making stronger parent-child connections, cultivating engaged learners, and building the confidence and self-efficacy of that child.
In my opinion, this starts by fostering a love for learning.
When children are excited about learning and having fun, they’re more engaged. And this can happen in so many ways! You can play engaging educational games with your child, provide exciting materials (books, puzzles, and games that align with their interests), or even bring them into the conversation about topics, curriculum, or programs.
Another tip is to make learning a part of everyday life by incorporating it into daily activities, such as cooking and shopping. Ask your children to ask questions and explore their curiosity (and ask them questions as you move through your days, too). You can also provide them with opportunities to learn through hands-on experiences and projects, everything from a trip to the zoo to a DIY learning create.
Sidenote: We’re big fans of the KiwiCo Crates!
If your child dislikes learning, it could be that they have not yet found something that interests them or that they are passionate about. If this is the case, you may want to consider hiring a private tutor who has the skills to work with your child 1:1 and can support his/her specific needs in a meaningful, individualized way.
If you’re stuck on where to find a good tutor, you can check out care.com reviews in your local area to find caregivers, academic support, and more who are trusted by the local community!
Another reason your child might have a more negative view of his/her education could be that they have had difficult experiences with learning in the past, such as feeling discouraged or unsupported. If your kids struggle with studies and feel their efforts are undervalued, they may develop a negative attitude towards it. As a parent or guardian, it is important to get to the root while you decide to provide unwavering, loving support.
2. Create A Positive Study Environment
A positive study environment will help to build your child’s confidence and increase his/her motivation to learn. Establish a dedicated study space that is quiet, comfortable, and free of distractions. Set clear study rules and expectations and ensure they have the necessary materials and resources available for success.
As a parent, you’ll have to be the one to look around to see what things are likely distractions in a study environment (cell phones, television, games, or even objects that can be used to fidget or play with). But, don’t focus too much on perfection while you’re creating the space. Make sure to encourage your child, compliment their effort, and show enthusiasm and positivity as they work.
There are so many resources out there to help you learn to support your children in homework help, too. One example is Dr Ivan Khan who has many relevant tutorials aimed at helping students succeed academically. It may be work checking out!
The more proactive you become in your child’s studies, the more academically (and emotionally!) confident they’ll be!
3. Teach Them Life and Leadership Skills
Most parents and educators agree that a well-rounded education is the best way to ensure your child grows up to become a successful adult. So, in addition to their school education, it’s important that parents support other aspects of their education as well.
As your child gets older, it’s important to teach them life skills. You can start small, first! Chores, like cooking and tidying up are a great way to teach responsibility and basic skills that they’ll need to take care of themselves in the future.
You can also encourage your child to pick up hobbies and skills like painting, playing an instrument, or getting involved in a sport. They don’t have to be a prodigy, but they should enjoy themselves!
When they become teenagers, it’s a good idea to think about financial literacy, too. Walk them through the family budget and teach them how to manage their own money. Some parents encourage their children to get a job. Or, you can introduce them to experts in leadership like Caitlin Brodie of Greenwich, who has helped young people grow into leaders later in life.
4. Get Involved In Their School Activities
By being actively involved in your child’s education, you can get a better sense of what they’re learning and their interests and strengths. Additionally, participating in school activities can help your children feel more connected to the school community (and you, too!). This can foster a positive attitude towards learning and increase their engagement in school.
Children with involved parents are likelier to have better academic achievement, increased self-esteem, and positive social interactions with their peers. Many children are proud to see their parents‘ invaluable contributions to the school. And it’s important to note that this isn’t necessarily about money, either. It’s more about showing up and being present at things like parent-teacher conferences, school games, and so on.
In the meantime, communicate regularly with their school teachers to stay updated on your child’s progress.
5. Encourage Them To Look Beyond Traditional Classrooms And Schooling
Remember that there is more to education than grades or a specific learning path. Yes, school is vital. But it doesn’t have to be traditional to be meaningful. Whether your child pursues a public or private education, learning at a SPED (Special Education and/or specialized school), vocational school, or even homeschool, they will learn, grow, and build confidence and vital problem-solving skills for their future.
Research different educational settings to see what fits your child’s personality and needs. For instance, therapeutic boarding schools might provide the perfect level of support needed. Looking at the likes of Alpine Academy Utah reviews (or reviews for locations or programs of your choice) can highlight how integrated academic approaches help kids and teens thrive in ways many common classrooms cannot. There are also opportunities like pursuing a STEM school certification, which can give you much deeper insight into how well the school will support critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative skills. Staying informed will help you as a parent become a better advocate for your child’s learning experience.
And, if it feels like you can’t find the right fit, remember that you can always create one. Through homeschooling, hybrid schooling (some in-home and out-of-home learning), or even hiring private tutors can create a perfect ‘hodge-podge’ for your child’s learning needs, goals, and vision.
6. Help Them Choose the Right College or Career
Finally, as your child matures, the next step in his or her journey is pursing a career or college path. If your child is looking to continue his/her education, then choosing a good school is so important! As you begin your search, make sure that you’re taking the academics (major/focus area), social component (campus life, sports/fine arts activities, etc.), and location into consideration.
As you and your child look at different college options together, you’ll want to share information, be a sounding board, and encourage them in their decision-making—but, ultimately let them make the decision on their own.
Colleges will often share information about their programs on their websites. So, if your child is looking for more resources, guide them to the websites and/or social media pages. If your child is looking for more of a behind-the-scenes feel, you can also search for reviews online, such as these American International University of Kuwait reviews that can provide first-hand accounts of student experiences and thoughts. This can help give your child a deeper sense of the campus life before even making a visit!
Ultimately, it’s important to guide your child into having an open mind about college, career, or otherwise! Encouraging your child to keep his or her options open, exploring different locations and/or opportunities, and being a resource for their questions are all ways that you can show up as a parent in this new chapter.
Want to learn other ways to support your child’s education?
Check out our sister site, Donnelly’s Daily Apple!
Featured Image Credit: Tima Miroshnichenko
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