11 Parenting tips to help kids love school
As a parent coach, I often hear parents express their concerns about their children’s schooling. Parents who want to help their kids love school.
Many parents feel that the academic pressure is too much for their kids and that they are not given enough time to enjoy childhood.
Here are 11 tips on how to help your kids love school:
- Set them up for the day
- Help them make every day feel exciting
- Wake them up on a good note.
- Prioritize sleep
- Plan ahead
- Model a love for learning
- Encourage a positive attitude
- Help them make friends
- Encourage their interests
- Help them recognize their strengths & success
- Help your child develop time management and study skills.
1) Set them up for the day
Did you ever ask yourself why most kids get excited for the first day at school and not for the rest of the year? It’s because on the first day, everything is new and everything is exciting.
They are excited about their new bag, their new outfit, meeting new friends, and of course, the prospect of learning something new.
Encourage them to wear an outfit that makes them feel good about themselves.
The key is to keep that feeling alive all year long.
How do you do that? By setting them up for each day. This means having a specific place for their backpack.
Ensure they have a nutritious breakfast and that their school supplies are ready. You can even help them pick out their outfit the night before to save time in the morning.
2) Help them make every day feel exciting
The second tip is to help them make every day feel exciting.
One way to do this is by talking to them about their day as soon as they get home from school. Ask them about the highlights of their day and what they learned in each class.
You can also help them to look forward to upcoming events such as field trips or special guest speakers.
Another way to make every day feel exciting is by encouraging them to participate in extracurricular activities that they are passionate about.
I like to sit with my children every night to excite them about something happening the next day, such as seeing their best friend or having an art class. Of course, every day is different, but if you help them find the excitement, they will always wake up looking forward to school.
3) Wake them up on a good note.
This ties in with the first tip, but it’s important enough to merit its own section.
You must wake your child up on a good note. This means having a positive attitude yourself and being encouraging.
Try not to nag them about getting ready for school or rushing out the door. Instead, Make it fun.
For example, my mother always woke up by playing music and dancing around the house.
It was our signal that it was time to start getting ready for school, but it was also a way to help us wake up with a smile.
My Dad, on the other hand, used to give us massages to wake us up. It was an excellent way to start the day, and it helped us feel relaxed and ready to face the day ahead.
One other helpful way is to tell them about the fun breakfast you made them; that always worked with my younger brother =)
4) Prioritize sleep
This one is important for both kids and adults. It’s hard to wake up energized and excited about school if you’re tired.
- Ensure your child gets enough sleep by setting a bedtime and sticking to it.
- You can help them to wind down for bed by reading a book together or taking a bath.
- Avoid letting them watch television or play video games before bed,
- Most children need between 10 and 12 hours of sleep each night.
- Encourage them to go to bed early enough to get a full night’s rest.
5) Plan Ahead
Children like routine because it makes them feel safe.
One way to help your child love school is to plan ahead. This means prepping everything before sleep so that the morning is stress-free.
I like to set my kids’ outfits out the night before, and I make sure that their backpacks are packed with everything they need.
I also make breakfast ahead of time, so we can all sit down and eat together without rushing.
It’s also helpful to review the night before what will happen the next day. This way, they know what to expect and can mentally prepare themselves.
6) Model a love for learning
Children learn by example, so it’s important to model good behavior. For instance, they will likely follow suit if you complain about going to work or school.
Instead, try to show them how much fun learning can be. Talk to them about the things you’re learning and the projects you’re working on.
Encourage them to ask you questions about what you do. Let them know that you’re never too old to learn something new.
7) Encourage a positive attitude
A positive attitude is key to enjoying school. Help your child find gratitude for the opportunities they have to learn.
Ask them about the things they’re thankful for each day, and help them to see the silver lining in difficult situations.
For example, if they didn’t do well on a test, help them see that a test merely shows how much they’ve learned and how much they need to learn.
A test is not a test of character. Instead, it is a chance to learn and grow.
8) Help them make friends
One of the best ways to help your child love school is to help them make friends.
If they struggle to make friends, talk to their teacher about pairing them up with someone during group activities.
You can also help them to make friends outside of school by signing them up for extracurricular activities. Or setting up play dates.
This is an excellent way for them to meet other kids with similar interests.
9) Encourage their interests
Another way to help your child love school is to encourage their interests. If they’re passionate about something, allow them to explore it.
For example, if they love art, help them to find ways to express their creativity. Encourage them to join an after-school art club or take an art class.
If they’re interested in a particular subject, help them to find books or websites about it. The more they learn about something they love, the more likely they will enjoy school.
10) Help them recognize their strengths and success
Children like affirmations and recognition. They feel good when they’re successful, so help them to find success by finding what they are already good at.
Then help them to build on that by providing opportunities to excel. For example, if they’re good at sports, sign them up for a sports team.
If they love to read, help them find books at their level and encourage them to read as much as possible.
This can mean different things for different children. For some, it might mean getting good grades; for others, it might mean participating in class or making new friends.
Whatever it is, help them to identify their strengths and appreciate them. They don’t have to be the best at school; they just have to know that they already possess strengths that can help them succeed in life.
11) Help your child develop time management and study skills.
One of the best ways to help your child love school is to help them develop time management and study skills.
Create a homework or focus zone for your child. Start by teaching them how to use a planner. This will help them to keep track of their assignments and due dates.
Then help them to develop a study routine that works for them. For example, some children prefer to study in the morning, while others prefer to study at night.
Encourage them to find a time that works for them and stick to it. Finally, help them develop good study habits by teaching them how to take notes, highlight important information, and make flashcards.
By following these tips, you can help your kids love school. A positive school environment is essential for your child’s success and for them to do well in their exams.
Why is it important for kids to love school?
It is important for kids to love school because:
- It sets the foundation for their future success.
- It helps them develop a love for learning.
- It enables them to make friends and socialize.
- It builds their self-confidence.
- It helps them develop discipline and time management skills.
- It teaches them how to manage their emotions.
- It helps them become independent thinkers.
- It prepares them for the real world.
- It develops their creativity.
- It hones their critical thinking skills.
- It instills in them a sense of responsibility.
Additional tips for parents:
- Encourage your child to develop a growth mindset.
- Help your child to understand that mistakes are part of the learning process.
- Encourage your child to persevere when they face difficulties.
- Teach your child how to set goals and work towards them.
- Encourage your child to take pride in their achievements.
- Help your child to develop a love for learning.
By following these tips, you can help your kids survive, thrive, and love school!
Helping your kids love school is essential for their success.
By providing a positive environment at home, encouraging their interests, and helping them develop time management and study skills, you can help your kids to thrive and love school.
Follow these tips, and your kids will be on the path to academic success!
