3 ways to support your child with school

Do you remember what it was like to be a kid? School was the most boring part of your day, the mountain of homework seemed never ending and grown-ups were constantly insisting that your school days were going to be the best days of your life. This may have been true for some of us, whilst others wouldn’t go back to school for anything! But whether you enjoyed school or not, you can’t forget those sleepless nights and bleary mornings of the exam season, when the pressure was on high. 

Whether your youngsters are seven or seventeen, these three tips will help you support them throughout their education. 

1. Make it fun!!!

Rule number one – make education and studying fun! The most common complaint amongst kids about their homework is that it’s boring – well, we can all relate to feeling like that about school! 

One of the most challenging things for teachers is to transform dry subjects into engaging opportunities for children to discover their passions and talents whilst learning essential life skills. If the school’s learning resources are a bit dull, help your child find different ways to learn – this could be through films, books, games or educational videos on YouTube. It could be the secret to your child falling in love with a subject they thought they hated!

2. Learn with them

Use your child’s study time as an opportunity to do some work – or learning – of your own (especially if you work from home). This can help your child feel less isolated when studying. Alternatively, sit down with them and ask them to explain what they’re doing to you. Teaching is a great way to learn, and it shows them you’re interested in their schoolwork. 

Sometimes our children can inspire us as much as we influence them, and if your child’s studies have renewed your lust for learning, studying alongside them can be a great way to work a new qualification into your routine while also setting a great example for them. ARU Distance Learning offer flexible courses designed for parents and others with busy lifestyles. You can plan your learning time around your children and seeing your motivation is likely to encourage them, too!

3. Ask

Often children are afraid to voice their concerns, especially when it comes to their academic performance. With so much pressure on our young ones from schools, they can be afraid of not meeting expectations, and sometimes they simply don’t know how to reach out for help. 

If you suspect your child is struggling, the best thing you can do is ask them! Let them know they can come to you with their worries and ask for support when they need it – in any avenue of life, communication is the key to success. 

Some children are extremely self-sufficient and often don’t feel the need to ask for help, particularly if they are naturally bright and high achieving. In this case, simply knowing they have your support is enough to see them through.