5 Ways to Guarantee Your Kid Succeeds at School

5 Ways to Guarantee Your Kid's Success at SchoolDoes this conversation sound familiar?

Dad: Hey Brian, how was your first day at school?
Son: Good
Dad: So how is your teacher?
Son: Good
Dad: Anything exciting happen today?
Son: Nope

Kids never seem to reveal much about their day at school, but talking to your child about school is one of the most important things you can do to help him succeed. People For Education zeroed in on this and 4 other areas where parents can have the biggest impact on the success of their kids at school.

Related: 7 things you should NEVER say to a kid

1. Talk to your child about school
Talk with your children about what's happening at school - activities, programs and what they are learning. Surprisingly, this has a greater impact on academic achievement than monitoring homework, being at home after school for your kids, or limiting the time they are allowed to watch TV or go out during the week.

2. Set high (but not unrealistic) expectations for your child
Let your children know that you think it is important that they do well in school. High parental expectations have the greatest impact on student achievement. When parents consistently express belief in their children's potential and tell their kids that they expect them to succeed academically, students do better.

Related: Why quitting can actually be good for your kids ... and you

3. Help your child develop good work habits and positive attitudes about learning
Parents help their children succeed by helping shape their children's attitudes, sense of personal competence and work habits, including persistence, seeking help and planning. Rather than trying to directly "teach" your children, focus on helping them handle distractions and crises of confidence, praise them for effort and persistence and demonstrate a positive attitude about school as a whole.

4. Read with your child at home, in any language, even after your child can read alone
Reading is one of the foundations of all education, and you can make a big difference by reading and talking about books and stories with your children. Reading with children is the best way to turn them on to reading. But this doesn't mean that you should be forcing them to sound out words. Instead of focussing on teaching your children the mechanics of reading, teach them to love reading. Make reading fun and enjoyable!

Related: 28 ways to make your kid's teacher like you

5. Parent involvement in school activities
Whether it is attending a school concert, cheering on a school team, or participating in community events and meetings planned by your school council, parent involvement in school activities can foster a sense of community within the school. It can build stronger relationships between teachers and parents, and provide an opportunity for parents to connect with and support each other.

- By Buzz Bishop
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