How to Help Your Child's Academic Education Flourish

Parental guidance can make a world of difference in a child's academic success. Here are some simple things you can do to help your child's academic education flourish.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Talk about school events.
   
   Welcome school news, whether it involves academic education or school gossip. Encourage your child to communicate about what goes on during the school day. Discuss any problems at school your child may be experiencing. Work together to find solutions.

2. Set up a study area at home.
   
   Provide your child with a comfortable space to do homework activities. Make sure the area is equipped with all the books and learning supplies needed for academic success.

3. Get a routine going for homework activities.
   
   Setting a routine for homework activities is important to a successful academic education. Plan a homework routine that is acceptable to both you and your child.

4. Make learning a family affair.
   
   Incorporate learning activities into everyday play. This helps to reinforce what is learned at school. It also shows your child that learning doesn't have to end when the textbook is put away.

Tips & Warnings

• When having a problem-solving discussion about a school event, allow your child to take the lead. Do not belittle any suggestions your child may have. The more comfortable your child feels, the more insight you'll gain into his or her world.
• Talk regularly with your child's teachers to keep abreast of new homework assignments.
• Having your child go straight from school to homework activities may backfire. Kids, like anyone else, usually need time to unwind after a hard day's work.

Resources

• U.S. Dept. of Education: How to Help Your Child

[Susanh]

on 11/9/2008 It's so important for parents to be directly invovled in their child's education. Thank you for these tips.

[jenphelps]

on 11/8/2008 This is so true and very simple advice. 5 stars!

[kiratrever]

on 11/6/2008 I love this article, it's sensible and so true.

[purrfect1969-2]

on 11/6/2008 Great tips.

[MotherDove]

on 11/6/2008 Your advice is right on the mark! If more parents were to follow these basic steps, they would be amazed at the difference they would see in their child's school performance. Good article.