Parental Support and Home Environment

Educational research consistently demonstrates that parental interest, involvement, and participation in their child’s education, at home and at school, are the number one predictors of academic success. Providing a home environment that fosters study and encourages achievement increases the likelihood that your child will be successful in school. In order to help your child maximize study time, providing adequate support at home, including a positive attitude, educational materials, and organizational support, will ensure that your child is adequately prepared to begin work.

Attitude is Everything

• Perhaps one of the greatest contributions a parent can make to their child’s study efforts is to maintain a positive attitude toward school and study. Although friends are undoubtedly a strong influence in your son or daughter’s lives, children most often model their behavior and thoughts after their parents'. Keep a positive attitude toward study and learning regardless of how challenging a study task may appear, and your child will as well.

• Help your child to believe that he or she can succeed academically. Expecting success lead to greater motivation, and increased motivation leads to greater study success.

• Set high (but reasonable) expectations for your child. Increased expectations are related to increased goal setting and increased academic success. Oftentimes, if you expect little you will get little in return.

• Let your child know that studying and homework are priorities. Do not create an environment where study is considered a punishment, or promote situations where being able to skip study time is considered a reward.

• Establish meaningful, consistent, and fair consequences if study is not completed.

• Reward or praise your child for sticking to their study plan. Make sure they know that their successes please you, but that their attempts and hard work please you just as much.

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