The Balanced Life, Huntsville Alabama

It’s that transitional time of the year again when summer break is officially winding down and there are less than two weeks before most schools start back.

For parents, it is sometimes a relief for their kids to go back to school, but for children and adolescents, it can be a feeling of dread to get back into the routine of schoolwork and waking up early. While school may be enjoyable for some students, there are others who feel completely overwhelmed by the nature of returning to the classroom based on the potential for stress, failure, or the uncertainty of what is to come. Others may be faced with challenges when it comes to performance in school such as lack of focus, poor concentration, and trouble organizing all the work given each week. Whether your child falls into the first or second category, one thing is for sure: they NEED your help to SUCCEED. As the famous quote reads, “It takes a village to raise a child.” This principle is extremely applicable to the school environment and how family support can be a key factor in a child’s emotional well being in relation to learning. Here are 5 simple tips to set your child up for success this school year and in their future academic endeavors:

1. Talk and listen.  I cannot stress enough the importance of communicating with your child. This seems almost natural, but with the increased technology and ability to “connect” online, sometimes face to face conversations get lost in the shuffle. A few weeks before school begins begin asking your child questions—How are you feeling about going back to school? Do we have everything you need? What would make things better/worse this school year? Hearing their perspectives/opinions gives them affirmation that you care and offering advice demonstrates a willingness to help.
2. Prepare to stick to a routine. Most people stray away from their normal routine during the summer, which is completely understandable with less responsibilities and more fun activities.   I would suggest starting to return back to the school routine several weeks before school starts to alleviate such a stark transition. If kids are more physically prepared by adjusting their sleep schedules/eating routine, etc, it may be easier for them prepare mentally and emotionally. A helpful tool to accomplish this is making a schedule together through a blank calendar or creating a checklist to prepare for the essentials for school.
3. Set expectations for success. The key to setting expectations for your child is making sure they are realistic.   If you are an involved parent, you know your child’s capabilities as well as limitations. Be aware of not putting too much pressure on their academic performance while at the same time, making sure expectations for success are in place. A clear way to do this is by making a reward system for grades that includes the child’s perspective, which allows intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to occur in the process.
4. Monitor without hovering. Since homework is such an important part of learning, I think it is part of the parent’s role to ensure that this is taking place. As a parent, it is essential to monitor your child’s work to ensure completion, but not interfering with their independence to do it themselves. The difference between an engaged parent and a helicopter parent is how much autonomy you give your child to succeed, as well as fail at times; this balance allows them to create healthy decision making capabilities.
5. Encourage, encourage, encourage. The power of your words as a parent is astronomical. Be mindful of how you are speaking to your child. Are you questioning them with a condescending attitude or wording questions in a way that shows love and support? Giving your child positive praise and affirmation allows them to feel good about his/her self and increases overall self-esteem. Having a safe and encouraging place to come home to can be beneficial for a child who is struggling with the social or academic aspects of school.