Five ways you can support your child’s education

Use these five tips to support your child’s learning, no matter what their age.

1. Remind them learning happens everywhere

There are lots of fun and informal ways you can encourage your child’s enjoyment of learning. Talk to them about your work and how you use the things they are learning now in your job. You could also show them how they are learning through their hobbies (check out this article on how their spark is helping them learn).

2. Help them attend school every day

This might be by helping to make a routine so they can get to school on time, or ensuring they have enough sleep so they are able to learn when they are at school.

3. Help them see school in a good way

The way you talk about the school can change the way your child views their school too. While it’s natural that there will be things your child’s school does that you may not agree with, if you try and focus on the good things or talk about concerns in terms of how you will work with the school to fix this, your child will have a different picture of their school – and their place in it.

4. Let them know they are doing well

Being a teenager can be hard. There are a lot of changes and sometimes small setbacks can feel like a lot. Helping your child see where they are already doing well can help them feel encouraged to take on other areas.

5. Get involved in your child’s school

Most schools have many ways parents and carers can get involved. Let them know what you and your child like about the school, and what you’d love to see more of. Talking to the school often about the things that are working can help you feel comfortable in bringing up any concerns, should you need to.  And if you’ve worked closely with your child’s school and things still aren’t working out, please contact your Department of Education local regional office to seek help.