Moms and Dads of school-going kids!
We hold a remarkable opportunity to play a vital role in our children’s educational journey, even if we are not homeschoolers. As parents, we must nurture and care for all areas of their lives, including the ones we outsource, because no one cares more for their success and well-being than we do. Our involvement builds their confidence, helps them excel, and equips them with essential life skills.
I have had my kids go to private school; we then homeschooled for a few years and finally chose to send my two oldest kids to public school. I homeschool my preschooler and continue to stay involved in home-educating my oldest two afterschool hours. The most significant benefit of adding some learning time at home is that your child can excel at school. When they succeed at doing well in academics, it develops confidence in them and allows them to balance their time making friends and participating in other activities.
I know it sounds like an overkill, but it is not. We don’t homeschool daily or hold rigid learning routines every week. My kids get to do two sports they love and get plenty of sunshine and playtime outside.
If you are wondering how you can be more involved, this article is for you. I’m offering some tips on how you can stay involved in your child’s education that can profoundly impact your relationship with them and give them an academic boost. I hope you will find these helpful as you consider your role in their school life.
#1 Establish Connections
Set aside dedicated time to connect with your child. It could be during breakfast, after work, or before bedtime. Create a routine that allows for meaningful conversations. During this time, probe into their life and learning activities in school, and discuss the subjects they love the most and struggle with. Find out more about the teachers that inspire your child and impact their happiness at school.
What we do
Sometimes your child wants to share their stories while you are in the middle of something. Stop and listen to them. I understand the challenge of pausing your tasks, especially while making dinner or at the end of a busy day. However, I’ve realized that I often forget to reconnect with my child when I ask them to wait until I finish what I’m doing. I have then missed out on an experience that mattered greatly to them.
#2 Communicate with Teachers:
Stay in touch with your child’s teachers to understand their academic progress and learn of any areas that need attention. In doing this, you will understand the gaps in school education, discover where your child needs personal care, and help you better understand the learning environment they are entering every day. Participate in parent-teacher meetings, ask questions, and collaborate on strategies to support your child’s learning at home.
What we do
During parent-teacher conferences, I like to ask about how my kid socially interacts in school and their strengths in the classroom. These are significant indicators in understanding the dynamics in which your child functions and their ability to succeed. I also like to dive deep into standardized test scores as teachers have more data.
#3 Engage in Homework
Make time to sit down with your child while they complete their homework. Offer assistance, clarify doubts, and provide guidance when needed. It shows your support and involvement in their academic journey.
What we do
I love to help out my oldest with her writing homework. I use this time to teach and develop her writing skills using robust curricula at home. I also teach my middle child to read using a structured reading program. This one-on-one attention allows him to learn decoding skills that will last him a lifetime.
#4 Encourage Reading
Set aside regular reading time with your child. Select books together, read aloud, and discuss the stories. Encouraging a love for reading improves literacy skills and fosters a strong parent-child bond. If you are not a read-aloud family, you can set up community reading time at home where everyone brings their books and reads together. Schools always recommend a minimum of 20-minute reading time, which is a great way to tie that in at home.
What we do
We read together at bedtime and encourage independent reading during the day. My kids narrate or summarize books they have completed and we discuss what they liked and didn’t from the book. This is a really nice way to learn more about your child’s interests. Always indulge in getting them books they have discussed in school that they love. I will buy them or place them on hold in then library and this also gives me a sneak peak into what they are discussing in the classroom.
#5 Explore Educational Resources
Utilize educational websites, apps, and curricula that offer learning opportunities. There are excellent resources you can use to supplement learning at home.
What we do
We focus on math, reading, and writing, as those are the core subjects in elementary school. These subjects help my kids perform better in school. But I also have a lot of great literature programs, geography, and history books that my oldest indulges in her own time. If you are interested in the programs we use, browse through my homeschool page for curricula we love.
Set a goal for what you would like to do at home and dedicate a few days in the week -about 30-45 min for your child to learn with you.
#6 Attend School Events
Whenever possible, attend school events, such as parent-teacher conferences, open houses, or school performances. Your presence shows your commitment to your child’s education and helps you stay connected with their school community.
What we do
I pick a few events organized at school and attend them with my kids. I love attending the orchestra concerts as the school has one of the best orchestras in the county. I also love to attend events where kids get to showcase their work at school.
To conclude
Remember, even small actions can make a big difference in your child’s educational journey. Your involvement as a working mom demonstrates your dedication to their growth and success. Let’s maximize this opportunity to create a fulfilling and enriching learning experience at home!
