Children whose parents show an interest in their education, and try to get involved where possible are more likely to perform well in school. This is likely because young people are eager to please, and knowing you care will encourage your child to try their best. With that said, here are some tips from a prep school in Hertfordshire on getting more involved in your child’s education.
First and foremost, it’s important to maintain regular communication with your child’s school so that you can monitor their performance. Obviously, attending each parents’ evening is a given, but it’s also important to speak with the teachers at regular intervals throughout the year. Not only will they be able to provide you with insight into how your child is performing, they will also be able to talk you through the curriculum and perhaps suggest some learning resources that you could use at home.
Make yourself available
As well as parent-teacher meetings, you should also attend other events at your child’s school, such as sports day and school plays. This will demonstrate to your child that you have a genuine interest in their school life, both academically and otherwise.
Whenever possible, try to make yourself available to your child when they’re doing their homework. If they get stuck and have nobody to ask for help, they will be more likely to give up in frustration. Even if the topic is beyond your knowledge, you can use it as an opportunity to do some research and learn together, showing your child that having a willingness to learn is an admirable trait.
When chatting about school, try to use positive terminology. Avoid saying things like “I hated maths at your age”, because your child may adopt a similar outlook. Also, try not to be hard on them if they don’t get the grades you were hoping for. Instead, try and help them develop a growth mindset by reminding them that they’re only human and they can learn from their mistakes.