Children need someone to be there for them in every way possible, but especially academically. If you would like to be an academic advocate for your child, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Communicate with Your Child’s Teacher
Make sure the communication lines are open with your child’s teacher. If you think they might be struggling or just want to know what’s going on, make sure you get in touch with their teacher. When it comes to your child, you can’t possibly over communicate.
Help with Homework
Sometimes it’s easy to brush off the fact that our children are self-sufficient and can do their homework on their own. Take time to help your child with his or her homework. It’s nice when you can sit beside them and answer any questions they may have about it.
Ask Them How They Are Doing
School can be difficult for children, which is why it’s important to ask them how they are doing. It may be hard to get a straight answer out of some kids, but it’s a question worth asking. They might be struggling in an area that you didn’t know about academically.
Know What They’re Learning
It can be hard to be an advocate for your child academically if you aren’t sure what they’re learning. Take the time to look at what your child is learning. You can do this by taking a peek at the work they bring home on a daily basis, graded and ungraded. Seeing and knowing what they’re learning means you can assist them when they need extra help.
Being an academic advocate for your child means being there when you need it most. Maybe they need you to help with homework or to get extra help with a tutor. You can help them with these things because you know what’s going on in their academic life thanks to these tips!
Let’s Discuss: What are some of the ways that you maintain a proactive role in your child’s academic life?
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I am maintaining a proactive role in my children’s education by homeschooling. Public schools in our area are not great anymore, so the best way for me to advocate for my kids is to homeschool.
It was so hard for me when my son got into school because I wasn’t with him all day long so I had no idea what was happening. Your suggestion of being in contact with your child’s teacher is so true! It’s the only real way you can know what’s happening and what they could work on.
I was one of those kids who never complained-just kept on trying–until I broke down hysterical crying and my Mom got me a tutor!! Please ask your children if they are having a problem–check their homework occasionally or talk to their teacher. And if you do not comprehend the work for heavens sake get someone who can help them–the teacher is your best bet for a recommendation on who to hire.
It’s important to get involved academically. It will be easier for you to teach and guide them if you know what they are learning.
My oldest is in middle school, so it’s harder, but I am in constant contact with my 3rd grader’s teacher. We text all the time.
Thank you for sharing this from your perspective – we do have things we can do to advocate for our children, especially if they aren’t being challenged.
Having email access to the teachers has been a godsend. I can’t imagine doing it any other way!
These are all great tips. It’s so important to be your child’s advocate.
This is really good advice. It’s important to be involved. Even if you don’t have all the answers it’s a good idea to try and help them.
These are all great tips. You have to stay connected to your kids through their schooling if you want to be able to help them with it.
Helping with homework is a big one. It’s time spent together, you find out what your kids are learning, and it helps them feel like they can come to you for assistance.
Great advice – my eldest is in her second year of University and my youngest started school today! I have always tried to help a much as I can. Kaz 🙂
You need to have nice communication skills with your teacher. This will help you pick up the gaps and better help your child.
We find keeping the lines of communication with the kids teacher’s is key for us. I do help with homework when it is needed, but only if they are really stuck.
I couldn’t agree more! I am a teacher, and I have three rules in my classroom: Be Respectful, Be Present (Not Just There, But Engaged), and Self-Advocate! Teachers would love for parents (and students) to be more involved.
These are great tips. The best thing a child could receive is their parent’s love and support.
Awesome tips! Helping and getting them to talk about what they are doing at school really boost their confidence and they look forward to telling you more.
“Know What They’re Learning” is actually fun because you get to relive and maybe even educate yourself. I know there is plenty that I have forgotten or completely missed from back in the day.
Volunteer a lot in the classroom if you can. The experience is priceless.
When my kids were in school we always sat down when they got home and looked at what they brought home for homework. We spent a few minutes talking about the day they had. After supper we would sit at the table together and do the homework.
I know how important it is to ask children how they are doing when it comes to school. I grew up in a home where I was never asked an was simply expected to succeed. It’s not a good feeling. I also try to communicate with my son’s teacher as much as possible to be sure he is doing well!
Great tips and advice. I worked for a major school district for almost 25 years and I would always tell parents that they are their children’s best advocates and that they needed to be involved and stay involved. As a parent, I went to all of the conferences and Back to School and Open Houses. I monitored my children’s homework until they were in high school and were independent and didn’t need that. Both of my sons did well and went on to graduate from college.
We homeschool but I definitely find all of these essential for a successful school year. Especially help with homework.
I agree most children expect someone to help them academically and these are some simple yet great tips to take note. I always love to help my kids with their homework’s and I listen to them to know their feelings so it all goes smoothly at the end of the day.
I love that you wrote about this. My husband and I have always said we are our childs best advocate. We choose to look at our children’s school education as a partnership with his or her teacher and staff each year. We never feel as though it is solely the “teacher’s job”. We remind our student to be responsible and we personally take interest in keeping up with what they are working on.
I check my daughters grades and try to have open communication with her teachers so I can help her in areas she’s struggling.
As an ex-teacher I cannot stress the importance a parent’s role is in their child’s education. These are all great points a parent needs to be reminded of on a regular basis. Life can get a hold of you but don’t let it impact your child’s education!