As parents, we all want to raise children to be happy, successful and good persons. But is not always easy because school may be very demanding for some of them. Here are some very practical things one can do as a parent to help our children succeed academically.
9 WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILD SUCCEED ACADEMICALLY
1. Create structured time for homework.
When a child has a structure at home to follow, it decreases behavioral issues and anxiety-related concerns. A child thrives when there is structure. The secret? Create a schedule with your child so that he owns it. In addition to creating a schedule, designate an area in the house where homework should be completed. This area should be quiet, and with little room for distractions, like television, toys, and other “screens.”
2. Check Pinnacle or comparable system daily.
All public schools use an online grading system that is updated regularly to keep parents up to date on how the child is performing in school. Private schools are using other online systems like Blackboard. Teachers post grades for in-class assignments, homework assignments, and tests. It is very informative to check daily on this as one can learn a lot about the child's performance. For example, if a child has an "A" or "B" score in tests but 0’s in homework assignments and/or in-class assignments, a tutor is not needed. The child is understanding the material but is either bored in class and that is why he is not completing the in-class assignment or does not think it matters if he does the homework since he is getting a high grade in tests.
3. Ask your child if they know the difference between a "0" and a "59".
If a child is not submitting in class and/or homework assignments, the child might be failing the class despite of passing tests. Children don’t submit assignments for many reasons, but asking the question if they know the difference of a 0 and a 59, which is the range of an "F" grade for most schools, can make an impact.
4. Guide child to do homework, but avoid doing it for them.
If you find that your child does homework but is not passing tests, ask yourself how much of the homework the child is completing on their own. I get it! As moms, we want to help our children to succeed academically but sometimes our children can play really smart mind games in which we end up completing their homework without even realizing it. A trick to avoid getting sucked into this is to do something else while your child does the homework. You can cook, read a book of your liking, or simply relax in another room and instruct your child to call you when and if he has a question on how to complete the assignment.
5. Check homework to see if the child understands the material.
If your child tells you that they did the homework in class, recess or during an after-school activity, ask to check it. Even when they complete it at home. This can tell you if your child is struggling with a class and/or if there are any issues with completing the homework on time.
6. Connect with the teachers to build a team of resources for your child.
Knowing your child’s teachers and communicating with them regularly creates an alliance that can be very helpful when/if your child has a need.
7. Ask for tutoring at school if the child needs support in a particular class.
Many teachers offer to tutor before and after school as part of the school’s resources. Hire tutoring if needed or use free tutoring resources at public libraries in case the school does not offer extra tutoring or if the assistance provided is not enough. Additionally, many teachers and college students offer to tutor privately for extra income, and of course, there are learning centers, such as Kumon that can enhance your child’s learning.
8. If you have tried all of these tips and nothing is changing.
Children do not perform academically for many different reasons. A child may be experiencing anxiety or depression, and these feelings may be distracting him from understanding or completing new material. Another important question to ask is if the child has recently experienced an emotionally difficult situation such as, but not limited to: the death of a family member or a friend, a serious accident, the recovery from a disease, a move or relocation, family conflict (parents arguing regularly), parents divorcing, parents re-marrying, change of schools, and more. Every child is different, so what may be emotionally taxing for one, may not be for another.
9. Consult a professional.
When these concerns are ruled out, and academic problems still persist, an evaluation may be needed to assess for learning disabilities.
To your child’s academic success!
Your Therapy Friend,
Sofia
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This article was featured in www.foreverfreckles.com and in http://www.localmomscoop.com/
Sofia Robirosa is the owner of Infinite Therapeutic Services and is a Relationships & Parenting Expert. She offers individual, couples, and family counseling to individuals seeking to enhance their relationships. Her private practice is located in Plantation, FL. She attended Nova Southeastern University for both her Bachelor and Master Degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and in Business Administration. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and a Leader in Active Parenting for children and teens, an evidenced based program. She is also a Certified Addictions Professional (CAP). She is a passionately committed therapist, who thoroughly takes pride and joy from her job. She enjoys working with a culturally diverse population and is bilingual in Spanish and English. She is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and an active volunteer of the Broward Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. She loves her family, which consists of her husband, daughter, and two dogs. Some of her interests outside of work include spending time outdoors, traveling, and dining. Read more about her at: www.infinitetherapeuticservices.com and follow her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/infinitetherapy/
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