Our children's education is such an important area in their growth and maturity. As parents we need to encourage them to do well and work hard. We need to remind them that success in school is not just good grades. We need to encourage them in many different ways.
Of course good grades is one way to see your child excel. They should be encouraged and praised for good grades but that is not the ultimate goal. There are a variety of ways to get good grades including cheating. You don't want to put such an emphasis on the grade that anything short is considered failure. Encourage other things too.
You also don't want to sell your child short. Some kids can complete their homework so quick and easy or they just breeze through it carelessly but still get a decent grade. My brother flew through school. He didn't study much or spend a lot of time on his homework. He didn't learn good study skills or experience a true challenge. He wasn't a straight A student but he was satisfied with average grades. When he hit college it was like hitting a wall. He wasn't equipped for the challenge. Because his grades were fine nobody was bothered that he didn't spend a lot of time on it. Make sure your child is getting all they can out of school. Maybe they need a bigger challenge. Make sure they work hard and do there best no matter what level they are at.
Encourage hard work, doing your best, practicing and persistence. When these character traits are developed and embraced you will find much more life long success than just knowing facts. Sometimes your child may put in lots of hard work and do their very best and only get a C. You should still encourage and praise your child for working so hard. It may take several tries or weeks to get a new concept. Encourage them along the way that even though they don't get it yet you are so proud that they keep trying. These are the things that build character.
Our culture is missing a lot of hard workers. A lot of kids want instant success or they give up. Encourage character building in your kids this year. Look at the path they are taking not just the end result and give them lots of encouragement along the way.
How do you encourage your kids when they are down or frustrated with school? Share your ideas here. Lets help each other shape the next generation.
