Blog – 18 Nov 22 – How can I help my child with school work?

As parents we want the best for our children, and one priority is success at school. The top three most critical support systems you can give your child are:

Read. Read to your child; read with your child; have them read to you; ensure they see you reading. Have books readily available, borrowing from the library is free!
Have a positive attitude about learning. Saying things like “I’m bad at maths so it’s ok if you are too”; may sound empathetic but it reinforces to your child that being “bad at maths” is something they cannot change. Instead, always be positive by telling your child
1. You are able to learn even when it is difficult: tell yourself you can and will do it
1. You can get smarter: by practising you will get better at things.
Actively learn yourself: look up words you do not know; google information together eg what bird was that? Watch informative documentaries together. Be comfortable with saying “I don’t know, let’s find out”.

Even with the top three supports in place you might still feel you need to help your child with their learning. It helps to:

Have a routine for home learning: a time and an organised place for learning when the child is not tired or hungry and everything needed is available, and when you can focus on helping rather than on other vital activities. Sometimes it is enough to just quietly and supportively sit with your child and be ready to help if needed.
Get your child to explain what they are having trouble with. Perhaps:
- They do not understand what they are being asked to do (help them understand the instructions)
- The task seems overwhelming (help them divide it into manageable chunks and to get started on just one piece). Eat an elephant one bite at a time!
- They are disorganised and just cannot seem to get started (help them tidy their things – try not to be judgemental about the muddle – they will gain much more if you help willingly, even if it is a repeat of what you did yesterday! As you help you might gain valuable insight into why they keep getting into a muddle and can begin to see underlying issues or patterns).
- They are disinterested. Offer a reward for completion! Not as bribery, but motivation!

And finally, and possibly most critically, BELIEVE in your ability to help. And if YOU need help to do so, I am an experienced educator who is also a qualified life coach. You and your child can jointly, or separately, access services from Advance Life Coaching as part of your solution!