5 Ways Parents Can Encourage Children to Do Better In School

Do you notice that your child loses interest at school or perhaps, see low or even disappointing grades on his or her report card? The problem might not be on your child alone. Ask yourself if you are providing the necessary encouragement for him or her to perform well at school. Most of the time, children lose interest in studying if they perceive education as a pure obligation or task mandated by parents.

Here are 5 effective ways parents can encourage children to do better in school:

1. Show interest in your child’s education or learning progress. The biggest mistake that a parent could do when it comes to education is to simply send his or her child to school and won’t even bother showing interest to the child’s progress. You might be busy at work or at home but you should always find time to check your child’s day at school. Discuss your child’s activities at school, check and guide him or her when it comes to homework, participate in school activities requiring your presence, and find time to communicate with your child’s teacher.
2. Discover and enhance your child’s learning style. Did you know that children have varying styles or methods of learning? Learning style means the most natural or convenient manner for your child to learn. For example, there are children who can assimilate lessons through audio-visual aids, through repetition or memorizing, with the help of music, and even through playing. You should try to discover the best learning style for your child through observation. It’s the same trick you have done to find the best way to feed him or her while your child is still a baby. After discovering the best learning style, you should enhance and take advantage of this. You might also want to discuss this with your child’s teacher.
3. Set and explain schooling goals. Have your child ever asked you why he or she needs to study and go to school? Telling vague and generic goals like “for you to be able to find a job in the future” will only create confusion since it is not realistic for the child considering his or her age. Goal setting is important for your child to know the importance of education. And when you set learning goals with your child, be specific and relevant. Examples include: “to be able to count or do better in simple mathematics”, “to know the different parts of the body to be able to take good care of them”, etc.
4. Expose your child to real life examples or role models. You can also use models to motivate your child. If he or she wants to become a doctor or lawyer someday, why not let him visit a real doctor or lawyer who could explain the importance of education to achieve that kind of profession. When a child has a role model, he will mimic and try to perform and do the same activities to achieve his or her dream. You, the child’s parents can also serve as the number one role model.
5. Use simple and realistic rewards. There’s a debate when it comes to the use of rewards in encouraging children to perform well at school. But there’s no doubt, rewards are effective. To avoid the negative effects of the reward system of encouragements, just try to keep your treats simple and realistic. Examples of the best yet simple rewards include: educational gifts – http://www.costcuttersuk.com/ – has a great selection, family trip or picnic, preparing your child’s favorite meals, etc.

These are just a few of the ways you can encourage a child to do better in school and also take pride in their work.