Parents know what is best for their young child. In most cases, the parents are the ones who make the decision on when the child is ready to go to school and on what school is the best for the child. In line with this decision, it is also the parents who are in the best position to encourage the child to go to school and learn to love it as well.

As the parent, you are the first person the child bonds with. Make advantage of this by reading stories, singing nursery rhymes, drawing and coloring figures and having fun with numbers and different shapes. Try to expose the child to music, sports, some travel experiences and other activities similarly done in school. This encourages the child to be curious about new things. Try to instill in the child’s mind that doing these activities will later help him in life as he grows up.

Since the child is naturally curious, there may be questions that you have to answer every time the child asks. Try to answer as simply and reasonably as you can to the understanding level of the child. You can also encourage the child to share his opinions about certain topics so he would learn the value of communication. But, always remember to guide the child about listening and respecting other’s opinions as well.

Try to encourage creative thinking by asking the child to answer some problem solving questions. Guide him to think of practical solutions to the problems.

Some kids need a little more push when it comes to some skills like reading and writing. You can help by reading together with your child and teaching him to read words that he finds difficulty in reading or in words that he can’t understand. This will also help the child understand and feel your concern for him, and this is a good way to encourage him to do better.

Make your home a place of learning. Have good books around the home or set a small library in a room. Set a reading time with the child. If television offers some good educational programs, you can also allow some schedule time to watch together with your child. Help the child with homework as often as you can.

Try to ask your child about his activities in school. You can also tell him about your school experiences. Try to teach some pointers on how to cope up with school problems.

Try to let him know that school is mostly about learning and exerting the effort to study well and at the same time developing good skills. Remember to talk positively about school so that your child will also have positive ideas about school too.

Get interested in school activities by going to sports events or school meetings. Get to know his teachers. You can also give some rewards to the child for some achievements he made in school. Make compliments or do a simple celebration for good work he did in school. Best of all, just always make him feel you are always there to support him all throughout his school experiences.

Mark Perry

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