Education requires the combined efforts of students, parents, and educators. While teachers play a vital role in guiding students academically, parents also play an important part in supporting their children’s educational growth. When parents and students work together, they can create an environment for motivated learning, understanding, and success.
Establishing clear communication
Open and honest communication allows students to share their thoughts and feelings without judgment, and parents to understand their child’s needs, goals, and challenges. On a parenting blog (in French), parents can read about how to help their child learn.
Students and parents might regularly check-in to discuss schoolwork, upcoming projects, and any challenges they may be facing. These conversations help parents stay informed while giving students an opportunity to express themselves.
Parents should practice active listening, paying full attention to their child’s words, body language, and emotions. Students will know their concerns are valid and be encouraged to open up more often.
Instead of criticizing a student’s shortcomings, parents can offer constructive feedback and collaborate on solutions. This can foster a supportive environment where students will be motivated to improve.
Setting realistic goals together
Goal setting is an effective way to encourage academic success and personal development. When students and parents work together to set realistic goals, they create a shared sense of purpose and direction.
Short-term objectives, such as completing a project or improving a test score, can be a great start towards long-term aspirations like college admissions. SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) are clear, attainable goals that are used in both education and professional life. Instead of saying, “I want to get better at math,” a student might aim to “increase my math grade by 10% over the next three months by studying 30 minutes daily”.
Students and parents should recognize and celebrate achievements. Positive reinforcement helps learners stay motivated and focused.
Creating a positive study environment
The physical and emotional environment at home impacts a student’s ability to focus and learn effectively. Parents can collaborate with their children to create a space for concentration and productivity. A dedicated, quiet, and well-lit study area can help maintain focus, free of distractions like phones and TV.
In the US, the average 11-to-14-year-old spends nine hours daily in front of a screen. SlickText reported that children 8-18-year-olds spend “7.5 hours a day in front of screens for entertainment alone”, amounting to 114 days a year. Even a small fraction of that time instead spent on education could have a significant impact.
Essential materials, such as textbooks and notebooks, should be organized and easily accessible. For example, students might have a specific shelf for their textbooks and a drawer for pens and notebooks.
A daily routine can be a great help in time management and reducing procrastination. Students and parents can decide together on specific times for homework, studying, and breaks.
Encouraging independence and responsibility
Parent support is crucial but it’s also important for students to develop a sense of independence and responsibility for their education. By finding the right balance between guidance and autonomy, parents can help their children build essential life skills.
Parents can teach students how to use calendars or planners to track assignments, tests, and extracurricular activities. Students can learn to prioritize tasks and avoid last-minute cramming.
If students take ownership of their choices and learn from their mistakes, they can build resilience and problem-solving skills.
Parents should communicate expectations regarding effort and behaviour but avoid micromanaging. Trusting students to take the lead fosters self-confidence and initiative.
Cultivating a love for learning
One of the most valuable gifts parents can give is a lifelong love of learning. When students and parents explore subjects together and enjoy education, they create positive associations with learning. Parents should encourage their child to pursue their passions, whether it’s reading, science, art, or sports. Parents can be role models for learning by reading, attending workshops, or exploring new hobbies. Children often emulate their parents’ attitudes toward education.
Students and parents can make learning fun by playing educational games and going on family outings to museums and cultural events, which demonstrate learning can go beyond the classroom.
Final word
Education is a collaborative effort. By fostering open communication, setting realistic goals, and creating a supportive learning environment, parents can empower their children to take charge of their education and achieve their potential. Together, students and parents can cultivate a love of learning and share their successes. Teamwork not only strengthens academic outcomes but builds a foundation of trust, respect, and mutual understanding that benefits the whole family.