3 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in School

After my first parent-teacher conference I realized something about parents that I didn't realize before, many parents don't know what to do. For the most part, I didn't know how to help them. They had students with suspensions, detentions, and failing grades. Being that I was in my twenties I couldn't exactly tell a fifty-year-old man what he was doing wrong. So I did what I always do and I searched the web for an answer.

The internet did have answers, but for the most part they were long lists that most people would get lost in. Many had things that I didn't think would help and most seemed to be written with a media awareness to them (make sure you mention No Child Left Behind).

So as a teacher I thought I'd create a shorter list that anyone can follow. It's simple and it will work. The only rule to follow is that you must start early. If your child is supposed to be a senior in high school and only has freshmen credits, it's probably time to go to plan B.

Everyone wants a good home, especially a struggling child. They need food, clothing, and shelter. Many of my school's highest achieving students eat two meals a day at the school and that is fine. Just make sure they are eating three good meals a day. Many students eat two meals at school, but no dinner. Or, if they have a dinner it's a pizza pocket from the gas station. Parents need to watch their child's diet. Make sure they eat at least one good meal per day with the family. Not only does it provide great nutrition for a growing mind and body, but it's an ideal time to talk. If your child knows you, they will value you.

The second thing a child needs from their home is clothing. Too many of my students wear the same five shirts, one pair of pants, and same shoes all week long. When a child has to wear hiking boots to run during P.E. something is wrong at home. Even if all of his clothes are from yard sales and Goodwill, a child will not be ashamed of what he wears. When other students pick up on the routine of their clothing, this tears a child apart. Deep down they know that it's their parents' fault for having such clothing and they won't care if they succeed at school or not.

The third thing they need is shelter. Not just a good building, but also a caring home to come to. As I heard a good pastor say, they need a soft place to fall. They need to know that they can be themselves at home, they can find a quiet place to work, and they can live without being judged. The world is a hard place for a teenager; their home shouldn't make it harder.

For the most part, teachers long for communication with parents. We struggle to reach many of them. Many parents give schools the wrong number to call. They often won't return calls. Often, parents don't even have a phone to call. It's even more difficult when the parents don't speak English.

A good method of improving communication with your child's teachers is to use email. Most schools give their teachers a computer with internet access and a free email account. All of the emails are then posted on the schools web page. Email your student's teachers even if there are no problems you are aware. Just check their grades, classroom behavior, etc. Many teachers will know things about students that parents have no idea about. Maybe your child is a great writer and you had no idea. Maybe they love biology and want to study animals. You now have a reason to take them to that zoo this summer.

If you don't have email and even if you struggle in English, the best thing you can do is go to the school. I had a parent show up to check on their child. There was no meeting scheduled and the student was getting straight A's. Within three minutes four out of seven of the student's teachers were there to talk to the parent. The other three teachers were coaching and no longer in the building.

Students need a reason to live besides eating, sleeping, and going to school. Sports are a great motivator to many students and it is proven many times that students in sports get better grades. But, sports don't have to be the only motivator. Some students are greatly involved in FFA, Art Club, FCCLA, or FBLA. Many students are involved in many clubs. It doesn't matter what they are involved in, but it should be some activity they have to do at least once a week.

Students that tend to not be involved in some form of after-school activity tend to get into trouble of various forms. They are more likely to try drinking or drugs if they don't have a valid reason not to use them. Most clubs or sports have rules that require their members not to use drugs and alcohol. If the student values the club or activity, they will have a genuine reason to say no. This topic is the most personal for me because my grades were good, but my quality of life was poor. I struggled with depression throughout my teen years. Easily, the happiest times I had where the two years I wrestled in middle school. I wish my parents had forced me to join the high school team. I would have hated them for a short time, but in the long run it would have built me into a better person. I strongly urge you to make sure your child belongs to something. It will help them longer than any class can.