Children need to understand how important school is. If they are aware that their parents care about them doing well in school, children are motivated to excel. Parental involvement can increase how fast a child learns, create positive feelings toward school and enhance communication between teachers, children and parents.
Provide a Schedule
According to the University of Delaware, creating a specific period of time for your children to do their homework or read can help children develop discipline. The University of Delaware recommends setting aside between 20 and 30 minutes a day for elementary school students to study and at least 30 to 45 minutes for junior and senior high school students. Parents can ask their child's teachers how much homework your child should expect each day.
Create a Proper Study Environment
Make sure your home is an ideal setting for your children to focus on their studies. The University of Delaware recommends giving your child his own place to study, whether in his room, the kitchen or another room that has adequate lighting. Be sure you stay close to this place to be available for any questions your children have regarding their homework assignments.
Limit TV Time
Set a time limit on the amount of television viewing you allow your child per day. KidSource.org and the University of Delaware report that academic achievement decreases a great deal in children who view more than 10 hours of television during a school week (or an average of greater than two hours each day). When your children do wish to watch television, encourage them to view educational programs about, for example, animals, the environment and history.
Encourage Your Children
The University of Delaware reports that some children perform badly in school because they have low self-esteem. For a child to feel positive about learning, he has to feel positive about himself first. You can encourage your child by expressing a genuine interest in his school work and complimenting him on his efforts in school. You can also encourage your children to enroll in difficult classes, like chemistry, geometry and honors and advanced courses in high school.
Get Involved in School
Shadow your child at school or volunteer to help his teacher one day. Get involved with school fundraisers and the after-school activities that your children do, like a sports team, Girl or Boy Scouts or drama club. Attend Parent Teacher Association meetings at your child's school. The Mississippi Department of Education reports that these actions communicate to your child how important school is.
