This post is a response to a LinkedIn article by BeSpoke Education which addresses the crucial role parents play in their children's academic success and emotional well-being with a call to parents to support their child's learning journey to ensure their emotional well-being. (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/missing-parental-link-imagineifbespoke-cfxrc/?trackingId=6NUO3bD8T4OeNWoNfup6%2Fw%3D%3D).
What does meaningful involvement look like?
Here are some thoughts...
- Engage in daily conversations about school. Effective questions would sound something like, "What is one interesting thing you learned today?" "Do you have some burning questions that you'd like to discuss?"
- Create a supportive study environment. A quiet and distraction-free study space with comfortable seating and natural lighting during the day, and warm, soft white lights which is less straining on the eyes. Add a few drops of essential oils like peppermint, rosemary, frankincense, bergamot, lemon, cypress, and eucalyptus in aromatherapy can be a powerful tool in enhancing focus and concentration. A clutter-free environment promotes focus and efficiency. Involve your child in the set-up gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility towards their studies. Routines and consistency help build good habits and time management skills with short breaks to prevent burnouts.
- Celebrate efforts, not just achievements - Regularly acknowledge your child’s effort and progress helps him to develop a growth mindset, resilience, and a love for learning. Say, “I noticed how hard you worked on your (subject/task). Your dedication is impressive!” or, “I noticed how you broke down that big task into smaller steps. Great problem-solving!” are specific ways to endorse their efforts or strategies. Celebrate when they show improvement, even if they haven’t reached the final goal yet. Ask your child to share something he worked hard on and reflect together on the experience. Make effort a topic of family discussions. Children love to hear your stories and learn from your life experiences.
- Foster open communication - set aside regular time to talk with your child without distractions. Listen without interrupting. Show empathy and understanding by nodding and maintaining eye contact. Keep open lines of communication with your child about their school experiences, challenges, and successes.
- Be actively involved in school activities - plan ahead and review the school calendar at the beginning of the year and mark important dates. In the world of technology, digital calendars and apps are extremely helpful. Plan your annual leave or personal days around significant school events to ensure you can participate. Keep in touch with teachers and school staff to stay informed about your child’s progress and upcoming events. When catching up on school's newsletters and announcements, do so with enthusiasm and not as a 'to-do-list' to show your child you're interested.
We all know that parental involvement makes a world of difference! Your involvement sends a powerful message to your child about the importance of education and family support.
Share your thoughts:
What are some challenges you're facing as a parent when it comes to supporting your schooling age children?
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