Our teenagers are more stressed than ever before. 70% of teens say anxiety and depression is a major problem amongst their peers. The same study showed that 60% of teens said they felt a lot of pressure to get good grades.
As parents, you want what’s best for your children. Their needs evolve as they grow up and become more independent. It’s easy to think that they can do it all themselves when they hit their teenage years.
Parental involvement in schoolwork leads to higher attendance rates, better results, and greater self-esteem in teenagers. 85% of parents want to be actively involved in their child’s education.
We’re sharing our teen life coach-approved advice on helping your child through school. These 6 steps will allow you to become more involved in their academic work and help to set them up for success in the future.
1) Identify Their Academic Challenges
The first step to support your teenager is understanding their academic challenges. Go through their school reports and speak to their teachers if you have specific concerns.
Identifying these challenges can help you put the right support in place. Your child might benefit from a youth life coach if they’re struggling with confidence or a subject-specific tutor if they’re falling behind in class.
Speak to your teen to see if there’s a subject or topic they struggle with. Create an environment where your teenager feels confident discussing these problems with you.
How Can I Support My Teen If They Have Special Learning Needs?
If your teenager has special learning needs, you’ll want to work closer with their school. They may be able to offer an individualized education program and supplement aids, such as a classroom assistant.
Inclusive special education programs promote identifying teenagers’ strengths and developing them. You can support your teenager by offering motivation and encouragement.
2) Help with Homework and Study
30% of teenagers get help or advice from parents on their homework or school projects daily. While you want your teenager to be independent, offering help with homework can reduce their stress level. Often teenagers need a listening ear or someone they can talk to about their projects to help them plan.
You can help by:
- Proofreading essays and projects.
- Taking them to the library to find study materials.
- Discussing ideas and subjects.
- Helping them memorize study notes.
3) Collaborate with a Teen Life Coach
It takes a village to raise a child – even during their teenage years. Working with a youth coaching institute can help you find the right structure to support your teenager. A young adult life coach is an expert in navigating the academic challenges.
A teen coach will work with you and your child to support their schoolwork and development.
4) Offer Emotional Support and Encouragement
45% of parents say they don’t spend enough time with their teenagers. It’s a stat that 25% of teenagers agree with. One of the best ways you can support your teenager while they’re at school is by offering emotional support and encouragement.
Build your teenager’s confidence with positive reinforcement and by celebrating their successes. Acknowledging little milestones and small victories can be a massive motivator for teenagers.
Sometimes all your teenager wants is a hug after a stressful exam. Be ready to step up and give them the support they need.
5) Develop Organizational Skills and Time Management
As adults, we’re used to organizing ourselves and managing our daily routines. It can feel overwhelming for teenagers dealing with deadlines for the first time. Help them build the right organizational skills that’ll help them stay focused and reduce their stress levels.
Ensure they have all the right tools and equipment for their classes, including binders and notebooks to organize each subject. Help your teen set up their calendar and build a study schedule to improve time management.
You can help your teen by giving them a study space. It should be clutter-free, quiet, and well-lit to allow them to work without distractions.
6) Talk To Them About School
Ask your teenager about their day. Talking to them regularly about school helps to create open dialogue. Showing an active interest in their schoolwork will make your teenager feel more confident about coming to you if they have any problems.
Are you looking for more ways to support your teenager through their schoolwork? You might be concerned about confidence, motivation, or other adolescent challenges. Book a free 15-minute exploratory call today to find out more about how you can support your teenager at school.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs:
1. How Can I Tell If My Teen Is Struggling Academically?
Look for signs such as a drop in grades, changes in behavior or attitude towards school, or reluctance to discuss schoolwork. Regular communication with teachers and your teen can help you identify issues early. If you notice these signs, consider seeking professional support or implementing some of the strategies mentioned in the guide.
2. What Are Some Effective Strategies for Helping My Teen with Homework?
Creating a productive study environment, implementing a structured study schedule, and using educational tools and resources are key. Engaging with your teen and providing emotional support and encouragement can motivate them to do their best. Always focus on effort and learning rather than just grades.
3. When Should I Consider Professional Support Like a Teen Life Coach?
If you’ve tried multiple strategies and your teen continues to struggle, it might be time to seek professional assistance. A Teen Life Coach can provide personalized support tailored to your child’s needs and goals. This help can be instrumental in overcoming significant academic challenges.
4. How Can I Support My Teen If They Have Special Learning Needs?
Understanding your child’s specific needs and working closely with teachers, therapists, or specialized educators is crucial. Regular communication and collaboration with school staff can ensure your teen gets the required support. Attending workshops and reading materials related to ADHD/ADD, Autism, or other learning differences can also help.
5. How Can I Build My Teen’s Confidence in Their Academic Abilities?
Focus on praising effort, perseverance, and improvement rather than only good grades. Encourage your teen to set achievable goals and celebrate even small successes. Sharing your experiences and stories of others who have succeeded through effort can also be inspiring. Emotional encouragement and recognizing progress can go a long way in building confidence.
Takeaway
Navigating your teenager’s academic journey can be a challenging but immensely rewarding experience. By identifying their academic challenges, providing practical study assistance, offering emotional support and encouragement, seeking professional guidance when necessary, and recognizing individual learning needs, you can help your teen overcome school difficulties and flourish academically and personally.
Helping your teen with school isn’t easy. But with these tips, you can make a big difference. Understanding, tools, care, and sometimes professional help can go a long way. This guide can help you help your child. If you need more help, feel free to contact us.
