Creating Home Study Routines and Spaces, Part 2

Posted on 03/09/2023

dad helping middle school aged son with homework in kitchen

Academic achievement is greatly influenced by a parent's relationship with their child, but not nearly as much as when parents make academics a visible, active priority in the daily life of the home and explain (and actively enforce) their own expectations (see Part 1). The importance you place on hard work and education in general can be demonstrated by including schoolwork in the calendar and providing conducive study places for your children. Yet, there is no substitute for the kind of assistance and encouragement you can give by being present and actively involved in your child's education.

mother helping teen daughter with homework while in kitchen

Support for High Achievers Everyday

How much support and assistance does your child require? What amount should you propose? These are challenging questions that will primarily depend on the school, academic abilities, and personality of your child. Even the most self-motivated, independent learner can benefit from having someone question him before a test or quiz, and just asking about what he is learning can help your child cement the concepts for himself. He may even teach you something you don't understand or have forgotten. Even if you are not actually interested in what your child is passionate about, it is still crucial to listen to them out of love and support for them. Of course, inquiring about the results of a particular project or test also conveys support. Parents can take advantage of the chance to discourage perfectionistic inclinations and promote a productive focus instead of focusing on resentments for high achievers who can become frustrated over a single percentage point.

mother pointing out items in young daughters homework on tablet

Daily Assistance for Underachievers

It's crucial to avoid giving your child the correct answer or expressing anger when you check his or her homework and find mistakes. Instead, start by pointing out the right answers or well-written sections and asking your child how she came to them. Next, try pointing out the error and asking your child if she understands what she should have done. She might be rushing because she wants to phone a friend before going to bed or she might be preoccupied with the day's happenings. If your child is frequently having trouble, the subject matter may be beyond what he or she can handle, or the classroom communication may be ineffective. By offering your child study assistance, you'll be able to see problems sooner rather than later and reduce the likelihood that your youngster would be shocked by a subpar report card.

father helping with school classroom field trip

Parents' Assistance at School

While the importance of everyday support cannot be overstated, occasional parental attendance in the classroom and participation in school-related activities and events can significantly contribute to student performance. Or perhaps it's just the case that the parents who tend to get involved are the ones who already emphasize the value of education and go to the next level in supporting their children's academic achievement at home. In any case, there is a pretty strong link between parental involvement in their children's education and their academic achievement, so the next time a teacher calls for parent volunteers, remember that you are also helping your child.

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