Adults often describe school as ‘the best days of your life’ and while this can be the case, it is important to remember they can also be a stressful time. Young people today are aware that they need top grades to succeed which can put enormous pressure on them and is one of the reasons more children and teens are struggling with their mental health.
Here are five ways you can support your child and help them reach their full potential.
Listen to Them
Teenagers are known for being melodramatic, but it is important to remember that even if they are growing like a weed, their brains are still immature. It is likely your child won’t have the skills to cope with stressful situations which can lead to them being argumentative, defiant and downright rude. Make time to listen to your child and take their views seriously – their problems may not seem big to you, but they are all-consuming for them.
Consider Additional Tutoring
If your child is falling behind, paying for out of school tuition may be the answer. Classrooms are noisy places with distractions that can send even the most diligent student off task, so one-on-one time with an expert could be a solution. Look for tutors with good online reviews and make sure both you and your child meet them in person before you commit to make sure there are no personality clashes.
Give Them The Tools to Succeed
Providing your child with the right equipment gives them a head start. Make sure they have everything they need to move forward with their studies – if you are unsure, contact the class teacher. Most will gladly provide you with a list of essentials. Basic must-have equipment such as school laptops are available at all price points so there will be something for every budget. Choose a name you can trust, as smaller brands don’t necessarily offer the same customer service and aftercare.
Encourage Extracurricular Activities
Not only do extracurricular activities look great on CVs and college applications, but they are also a way for your child to find their tribe. If they enjoy acting, encourage them to join the drama club. If sports are their thing, see if they would like to try out for a team. Lifelong friendships can be made through shared passions, and a child who is happy and confident is more likely to succeed.
Time to Relax
However committed they are to their studies, make sure your child has time to relax. Encourage them to socialise with friends, watch Netflix, and/or play their favourite sport. Life is all about balance and even if you don’t see the value in how they are spending their time, it is likely they are still developing all-important transferable skills. Watching TV shows can improve vocabulary. Multiplayer gaming is still connecting with others. Making Tiktok or YouTube videos develops useful technology skills. Learning doesn’t just happen in a classroom!
Parenting is never easy, but if you follow these tips to support your child through school you will know you are doing the best job you possibly can.
