WAYS TO HELP YOUR KID COPE AT SCHOOL

Written by Caroline Meyer

Your child learns from you from the day they are born. You are their first teacher and will teach them the basics as well as some of the most important lessons they will learn in life. When it comes to school, there are teachers to teach your children, but having you involved will make for a more positive experience and most probably a better long-term outcome. This doesn’t mean you need to go out and get a teaching degree. It just means you need to be present and supportive. 

HOMEWORK 

Start from the beginning of their school career encouraging them to do their homework. If they don’t have homework in grade one, create some creative work for them to do for a period of time when they get home from school.  Set a specific time to start and let them know they can only go and play once they have completed their homework. This establishes a routine and a habit which will make things easier as the homework gets harder. Make sure you have a space set up that is comfortable and reasonably quiet. There should be minimal distractions. Usually setting up a desk space in their bedroom works the best, but for some children, they may need more monitoring. You can set up a study area somewhere that you can keep an eye without there being too many disturbances while they work. 

Make sure they have everything they need at hand in order to do their homework. This may mean you need to buy extra supplies so that they have for school and for home, but there is nothing more annoying than when they need to work and they are missing the basic essentials to get the job done. Keep track of what is used up so it can be replaced before it is needed again. 

Be available to help them as far as possible. When they are in the first grade, they will need a lot of help and you should be able to assist without doing it for them. Help them figure out how to do things themselves. Let them make mistakes and then help them correct them. People really do learn from their mistakes. Being involved also helps your child realize that it is important and that you support them.  As they get older, you may find that it becomes more difficult to help with homework. Make sure that they have what they need to do the work and monitor to make sure it gets done. Further assistance might need extra lessons, tutoring, discussions with the teachers and so forth if they need it. They do need to at least try on their own first. The school will usually be able to help if your child needs help with assignments, homework and so forth. 

STUDYING 

You can help your child prepare for tests and exams. Make sure they have a quiet space in which to study and all the materials they need. Do research on standardized tests that can be used for preparation. Make sure they have time available to study without distraction. Check that they are studying. Remove distractions such as phones while they are studying.  Be involved and assist them in any way possible. 

HEALTH AND WELL BEING 

Making sure your child eats healthy, nutritious foods can have a major impact on their performance at school. Cut out the sugary drinks and foods and make sure they get plenty fruit and vegetables. Drinking water and staying hydrated can also help them do better at school. Make sure that health issues are addressed and that they visit the dentist regularly. Being healthy and happy fosters positivity and better outcomes at school. 

DISCIPLINE 

A disciplined child that is used to routines and acceptable behaviour will do better at school than a child that is easily distracted, causes disruptions in class and is unable to learn as well as he should. At home have times for engaging in specific activities such as TV and games. Encourage creative play and outdoor games. Being physical and doing exercise also helps a child stay healthy and better able to focus at school. Make sure there are reasonable bedtimes in place and routines to ensure they are getting enough quality sleep each night. 

COMMUNICATION AND READING 

Start reading to them when they are young, so they develop a love of books and stories. Encourage them to read when they are older. Reading is an essential component to everything they will do at school and even once they start their careers.  Spend time talking to your child and listening to them. Developing language skills comes from interactions with the important people in their lives. Give your child a developmental step up by encouraging open communication. This helps them learn to listen and be able to express themselves. It also shows your child that you are interested in them and what they have to say. 

Remember that you are able to speak to the school and the teachers should you have any concerns as to your child’s performance at school. Get involved and stay active in your child’s day to day school and homework activities. Getting a good start leads to children that are able to work independently, stick to routines and produce excellent results during their schooling.