One of the best things any parent can do to ensure their child’s opportunity for academic success is to be involved. If you’re like most parents, your child’s education is likely very important to you. The great news is that you can help to ensure your child has a good school year. For a few ways that you can help your student get off to a great start and stay engaged throughout the year, read on.
Being Prepared and Involved
A great way to support your child’s academic success is to lead by example. Research shows that students who prepare for class ahead of time, do their homework, and have the right school supplies achieve higher success than students who aren’t as prepared. One way you can help get your child off to a great start this school year is to have all the supplies they need on hand. From notebooks and binders to backpacks and reusable paper lunch bag products, being sure your child has everything they need for the first day of class is an easy way to show them that education is a priority to you, too.
Consider asking your child what they need for the school year well in advance. Instead of picking out the products they’ll use, invite them to help you. By making it a team effort, you’ll be setting a great example for how you’ll navigate the school year in tough classes or when they are excited about a big achievement. Your involvement, even when they haven’t asked for it, will be noticed and mean a lot to them.
Choosing the Right School
For some students, part of academic success depends on the type of school they attend. Where one student might do well in public school and enjoy a more diversified education, another could be better off in a private high school. A trade school that might work for one child might be wrong for another child: even siblings. Keep in mind every child’s interests, and help your child choose their school based on their unique talents and passions.
Maybe you have a child who hopes to go to seminary school to become a priest. Helping your child to get a great start on a religious education could be a great way to give them the support they need. You could help them interview prep for Admissions to Holy Name High school, Catholic School in Parma Heights, OH, or brainstorm ideas for admissions essays with them.
Supporting Extras
Extracurricular activities are great for rounding out any student’s experiences. While it’s never a good idea to overload a child, allowing them to try out a few clubs or sports after school so they can make friends and network is a great way to encourage autonomy and self-awareness. These groups can help with self-esteem and give your child a feeling of purpose, too.
Helping your child to find an extracurricular they’re passionate about can be a great way to bond and even get to know your child as they grow. A kid who started off loving sports when they were young could be naturally drawn to the arts as a teenager. By helping them explore changing interests, you’ll always have a better idea of the unique individual who relies on you.
At the end of the day, by being prepared, staying involved, and encouraging your child socially and academically along the way, they’re bound to have a better school year. Whether you send your child to a Catholic high school or a public high school or elementary school, your student will be happier knowing they have your full support behind their academic journey.
