How to Help Your Kid Like School More

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Every parent wants their kid to love school and learning. But it’s not unusual for kids to have some negative experiences with both, especially during the pandemic. Luckily, there are ways for parents to help kids build a positive connection to school.

Make Learning Fun: Children are naturally adept at learning, especially in safe environments and when they are interested in a topic. Jodi Musoff from the Child Mind Institute highlights that kids are easily inspired and often mirror the excitement of those around them. Adding elements of mystery and using varying tones can further engage them. Interestingly, children also enjoy familiar experiences, which can provide a dopamine rush when they predict outcomes, such as filling in words while reading a favorite story. Dr. Judy Willis emphasizes that narratives are particularly rewarding for the brain, encouraging kids to engage and enjoy learning through both novelty and familiarity.

Beat Boredom: According to Dr. Judy Willis, boredom can hinder children’s ability to process information and negatively affect memory. When kids find schoolwork boring or too challenging, their amygdala may block information flow. Boredom often stems from a lack of perceived relevance in learning. To combat this, parents can help by connecting new material to personal experiences, which can make learning more meaningful. For example, if a teacher plans a lesson on speed, parents might discuss their own transportation experiences beforehand to spark interest and engagement in the upcoming topic.

Try Not to Push: Frustration in children can impact their amygdala similarly to boredom, but it may lead to deeper issues. Parents should recognize when their child is nearing a meltdown due to frustration and consider taking a break or ending the session. Jodi Musoff emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive parent-child relationship rather than pushing through difficult moments. Dr. Judy Willis adds that forcing children to continue when they struggle can reinforce negative neural pathways, making it harder for them to overcome challenges in the future.

Focus on Their Environment: Parents can reduce homework stress by establishing consistent family routines and allowing children time to complete their tasks. It’s important to recognize each child’s preferred study environment, whether they want a parent nearby or prefer to work alone. Researchers suggest giving kids choices in their workspace, such as how to organize their supplies. When children feel invested in their workspace and see their preferences reflected, they are more likely to approach their homework calmly. Oda notes that it doesn’t require many options; simply being attentive to their preferences can make a difference.

Play the Student: Dr. Judy Willis suggests that having children teach their parents what they know can enhance their learning. When she was a teacher, she often had students explain science topics to their parents, emphasizing that teaching reinforces understanding. Encouraging kids to explain subjects they love or are learning about helps them master the concepts, and parents can support this by asking questions to foster deeper discussion.

Step in When Necessary: When children struggle with learning tasks, parents can assist by helping them identify the specific difficulties they face. This approach can reduce frustration and teach kids to break tasks into manageable parts. Jodi Musoff, who works with students facing learning challenges like dyslexia and dysgraphia, emphasizes the importance of providing appropriate support and scaffolding to set children up for success in achieving their objectives.

Don’t Only Focus On the Negative: Many parents start by supporting their child’s academic journey enthusiastically but may shift focus to mistakes and grades over time. Sharpe emphasizes the importance of celebrating the process rather than the end product, encouraging parents to be cheerleaders and highlight positive aspects. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, director of the creativity and emotions lab at Yale, notes that focusing on process fosters the kind of thinking needed for creative challenges, as children are more engaged with creative work than formulaic tasks. Parents should also be mindful of their own emotions and high expectations when children struggle with assignments, allowing space for their kids to navigate difficulties.

Help Foster Friendship: Social relationships with peers are crucial for a child’s school experience, significantly influencing their attitude toward attending school. To promote positive peer relationships, parents should prioritize social-emotional learning from an early age, which can include activities like Zoom playdates. Sharpe emphasizes that not all interactions need to be educational; teaching children how to communicate effectively is a valuable skill. Well-socialized kids tend to be better at collaboration and social cohesion in classroom settings.

Read More: https://childreninfobank.com/safebank/how-to-help-your-kid-like-school-more/

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