5 Tips to Make it a Great School Year

As your child starts the new school year, it’s the best time to set the tone for positivity. As Eileen Huntington of Huntington Learning Center says, a bit of “mental preparation” can help children and parents kick things off on a good note. “We tell families all the time that attitude has a major impact on how a child views school,” she says. “Parents who communicate with their children about school and its importance and embrace an optimistic demeanor about how to tackle challenges along the way have a tremendous influence on their children’s outlook as well.”

How can you help your child make this a great school year from the start? Here are five tips:

1. Talk about failure as a good thing. Many children who have faced school adversity in the past approach each new school year with trepidation—and it’s understandable. However, the best thing parents can do is talk about the fact that each failure yields a new and important lesson. Explain that every mistake or difficult class is an opportunity to grow and learn and apply that knowledge to a future situation.
2. Keep it in perspective. Reflection is a powerful activity and reminds your child that even the hardest situations will turn out fine. Talk about problems your child has had in the past and how he or she overcame them. Remind your child that if similar issues arise this year, they won’t ruin your child’s life forever. When a poor grade or failed test occurs, teach your child to take a deep breath, calm down and think about how to do better.
3. Give a refresher on problem-solving. Problems in life are inevitable. Build your child’s independence this year by reminding him or her of the steps to solve problems. Give your child plenty of opportunities to make decisions and deal with the consequences of those decisions—good or bad. Encourage your child to persevere when his or her first attempt at something isn’t successful.
4. Embrace a growth mindset. Children who believe their intelligence can be developed excel in school and life much more than those who believe it is static. Talk with your child about embracing challenges, even when they prove frustrating. Celebrate forward momentum and progress and remind your child regularly that there’s something new to learn each and every day. The more you can show your child that learning is continuous, the more open he or she will be to soaking up new knowledge.
5. Set goals. A new school year is the perfect time for children to think about what they want to achieve in the months to come and how they will do so. Talk with your child about what is important to him or her this school year and how you can support those efforts. Then, be sure to revisit those goals every month and at report card time.

Parents can make such a big difference in how their children approach the school year by being confident and enthusiastic from the outset. “Even if your child has had some difficult times in school, you can still start things off with a positive attitude,” Huntington says. “Children are perceptive—if they sense optimism from their parents, it rubs off. Make this school year great by encouraging your child to put the best foot forward and committing to supporting your child however he or she needs it.”

About Huntington

Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams.  Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards.  Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible.  Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com.  

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