10 Tips for Helping Your Child Succeed in School

We all want to help our children be successful in school and there are some simple things that you can do to get things off to a good start.

1. No matter how old your child is, make the first interaction of the day a positive point of connection. This can set the tone for your interactions the rest of the morning.

2. Eating a high protein breakfast without a lot of sugar will help blood sugar regulate so your kids don’t crash mid-morning in the middle of prime learning time.

3. Make sure your child engages in lots of physical activity. Physical activity is good for focus, stress, and mood. We hear a lot about the benefit of activity for adults, but kids need to move their bodies too.

4. Have a specific morning routine. There are some children who struggle to remember everything they need to do in the morning. If this is the case in your house, here are a few tips: Create a picture chart of the morning routine for younger kids. List the expected activities for older children and teens. The child then can cross off each activity as they complete it (i.e. brush your teeth, put your bowl in the dishwasher).

5. Create a “home” for belongings that get misplaced or lost (one consistent location for keys, backpacks, etc.). When our things have a home and we learn to consistently put them in their home stress and time spent looking for needed items decreases. Warning: This can take time to master give grace as the skill is learned.

6. Be sure your child or teen is listening when you give directions, if you are not sure if they heard you ask them to repeat the expectations back to you.

7. Complete homework at a distraction free table. If your child or teen has difficulty concentrating, give him or her a five minute movement break and then resume homework completion.

8. Be sure to focus on your child’s strengths and recognize him for them. As a rule try to find 6 things that are true and positive about your child to every one negative interaction you have.

9. Make sure you are taking time to take care of yourself so you can be the best parent you can for your child.

10. Give you and your child a break…you are both trying your best!

If you need parenting support or counseling support for your child, please call 720-583- 9332. We have counselors who specialize working with children, teens, and parents.  We are happy to answer any questions you so you may create a life with greater ease.  You can also get our free report off our website and Like our Facebook page to get more tips.

Written By Dr. Steffanie Stecker