Before focusing specifically on what a child is learning, parents must lay the foundation for academic success. This starts with a healthy lifestyle. For example, a healthy, nutritious breakfast will start the day off right and has been proven to affect academic achievement positively. Make sure your child gets enough rest and relaxation. This means going to bed at a reasonable hour. Tired students are poor learners. Do not allow your child to stay up and watch TV because you are too weak to put your foot down.

Organization and ritual are essential cornerstones of the foundation. The organization will allow for a calm and smooth morning before school, setting the appropriate tone for the day. To do this, children should wake up at a specific time, dress and prepare for school at one particular time, etc. It also helps to have the child’s belongings waiting in a specific spot, preferably near the door. In fact, have them prepare their belongings the night before.

This organization and ritual will make for a more pleasant morning, one in which you can express your love for your child and allow them to head out for a school day calmly. To help keep the school week organized, keep a central calendar with upcoming school events, including sporting events, meetings, and report card mailings. A simple app, like Google Calendar will work jus fine.

Priorities

Education must be made the priority and therefore a true commitment. Be mindful of activities, whether educational or otherwise, that detract from that commitment. A child’s school attendance also demonstrates the priority given to education. Your child should understand that they will attend school unless he is ill. This includes not taking them out of school for non-medical reasons.

To stress the priority of education, keep a positive attitude toward school and education in general. If you have specific concerns regarding the school or a teacher, those concerns should be addressed to the school, not your child. Your child will pick up a negative attitude and take it to school with them.

Goals and Standards

Once education is made a priority, goals, and standards must be set. Standards must be high but realistic. A child should understand that he should always do his best. Let them know that cheating of any type is unacceptable. Emphasize the importance of completing assignments. Other standards of education may be imposed depending on the child’s age and circumstances.

Behavioral standards are also relevant to a child’s educational success. These behavioral expectations, determined by each individual family, must be clearly understood. The consequences for failing to meet those standards should be fair, appropriate, and consistent. Children must learn that poor choices result in unpleasant consequences.

Goals differ from standards in their specificity and immediacy. While standards are more general and long-term, goals should be short-term, specific, and measurable. An appropriate goal for any age would be to earn an A on the next math test. Improving one’s grade by the next report card or progress report is also an appropriate goal. Children should be expected to set their own goals, with your help. Putting goals and standards in writing and placing them in a conspicuous place may also help your child remember what he is working toward.

Encouragement and Praise

Praise is vital to people of all ages, children especially. Encouragement from the most important people in their lives, their families, is priceless. Be your child’s cheerleader. Let her know how proud you are of her. This does not mean parents should ignore areas needing improvement. Encouragement includes constructive criticism when necessary.

If you follow the tips that have been outlined in this article, your child will have the right foundation for academic success.