Research has summarised that the more involvement a parent has in their child’s education, the more likely their child is to succeed. Your support will give them the confidence to take risks and try new things and the motivation to really try their best. You’ll be pleased to know that being more involved doesn’t mean you have to spend hours hunched over a desk helping your child with homework and exam revision; it’s also about your attitude and the home environment you provide for your youngster. I have teamed up with a girls’ prep school in London to offer you some tips.

Open Up Communication Channels

Try and find time to chat to your child each evening about their day at school. Don’t stick to the same old questions as your conversations will start to become stale. Instead, mix it up and chat about a particular subject or even what they did on their lunch break. Use positive terminology when talking about school to help your child develop the right attitude towards their learning. It might help you to contact your child’s teachers every now and again so that you can understand a little more about what they’re learning about, which will help you find things to talk about.

In fact, keeping in touch with the teachers is generally a great way to demonstrate your involvement in your child’s education. You will be able to monitor their progress and find ways to support their progress. For instance, if the teacher reports that your child is struggling with a particular topic in class, you could buy some learning resources to help them at home, or even consider a private tutor.

Make A Study Area

Help them set up a homework-friendly zone in your house where they can study in peace. Dedicating a space just for schoolwork will show your child how important you think it is, which will alter their own opinion of it. The space should be separate from where your child spends their leisure time i.e., not in the same room as the TV. The space should also have adequate lighting, so that your child doesn’t end up with eye strain. Support your child by helping them create a study timetable, so there homework is always handed in on time.

Always Show Up

Be sure to attend any events at the school, like a play or sports day, as this will show your child that you truly care about their achievements, both academic and personal. It will also be an opportunity for you to meet other parents and the teachers and feel like part of the wider school community. Of course, it goes without saying that you should also attend Parents’ Evening, to find out more about how your child is getting on.