What You Can Do at Home to Help Your Child Succeed at School

Research shows that children are more likely to succeed in school if parents or caregivers take an active part in their education. A good education is important for finding a good job and having a good future. It makes sense to help your child do well at school. Most parents want to get more involved in their child’s education, but may not be sure how to begin. A great starting point is sharing a positive attitude about school with your child.

Helping Your Child Succeed at School

Share your ideas about the importance of education with your child.
Talk about ties between what your child is learning today and how that knowledge might be used in the future. Begin to talk about possible education goals for your child. If you begin to think about goals, your child will, too. Talk about technical and professional schools in your area, careers that you find interesting, or people you have met that seemed to enjoy their work. Let your young student know that they have many educational possibilities!

Be careful not to pass on negative attitudes about school that may be a part of your own past experience.
Without realizing it, you could start your child off on the wrong foot by recalling bad memories from your own school days. Giving children the idea that school is too difficult, that teachers are unfair, or that school isn’t important will discourage them from doing well. Instead, talk about your friends from school, your favorite teachers or your best subject. If school was a bad experience for you, you might tell them you made the mistake of not liking school and you don’t want them to do the same.

Help your child set education goals, both short term and long term.
Talk to your child about the future and plans for high school, technical school or college. Tell your child you hope they will be successful in school.

A short-term goal may be finishing a writing assignment by Sunday night.

A long-term goal could be attending a trade school, the local community college or a university after high school.

Talk to your child about what they are learning at school.
From kindergartner to high school senior, it’s important to ask students about their school subjects. Ask open-ended questions about their class work —questions that can’t be answered with a “yes” or ‘no.” Share any knowledge you have, and if you are curious, read the textbook!

Help your child get organized to do homework.
Create a study area or corner for homework. You can start this as early as first grade, and it becomes more important as homework is assigned. Have a table and chair in a quiet place away from the TV, perhaps in the corner of a bedroom. Add a lamp, if needed. Add a box for books and supplies. Make a special trip to the store to buy supplies such as paper, pencils, and colored pens. As your child gets older, add a clock. Help keep this area tidy and ready for use.