Helping Your Child Succeed in School
- FGO Staff
- Aug 10
- 2 min read
There’s no magic wand for school success, but there is a magic formula and it starts with you.
If you want your child to shine, remember two things:
Be all in when it comes to their education.
Make sure they do something (anything) outside the classroom.
That “something” could be sports, band, theater, choir, chess club, robotics, or anything else that sparks their curiosity. These experiences teach kids teamwork, perseverance, and joy: things you can’t always learn from a textbook.
What Does “Success” Really Look Like?
According to the Texas Education Department, a successful student:
Reaches their full academic potential
Masters skills and concepts in the classroom
Builds critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
Sounds great on paper, but success isn’t one-size-fits-all. If you’re worried about your child’s progress, don’t wait. Talk to their pediatrician or school counselor early. Little problems are easier to tackle before they turn into big ones.
The Parent Factor: You’re the Secret Sauce
Research from the National PTA says the biggest predictors of student success have nothing to do with family income or zip code. They’re all about you:
Create a home that encourages learning: books, conversations, and curiosity matter.
Communicate high (but realistic) expectations: let them know you believe in their potential.
Stay involved: from homework help to parent-teacher conferences.
Start Early (Like, Really Early)
How soon is too soon to help your child focus and succeed in school? A group of pediatricians says: the earlier, the better.
Habits That Make a Difference
Here are the top habits successful students around the world have in common:
Get organized
Avoid multitasking
Break work into bite-sized chunks
Sleep (yes, it matters more than you think)
Stick to a schedule
Take solid notes
Study regularly
Keep a distraction-free workspace
Ask questions
Motivation: The Tricky Part
Let’s be real: getting kids motivated can feel like trying to convince a cat to take a bath. It’s not always easy, and every child is different. The secret? Help them find something that excites them, then connect it back to their learning.
Pro Tips for Parents Who Want Results
Why Extracurriculars Are a Game-Changer
Team sports, theater, art, band (anything outside the classroom) can:
Boost self-esteem
Build teamwork and leadership skills
Teach commitment and discipline
Give kids a sense of purpose and community
The Bottom Line
Your child’s education isn’t a solo mission, it is a team sport, and you’re the MVP. Stay plugged in. Cheer them on. And make sure they’re getting a full education that stretches beyond the classroom.
Because when you’re involved, they’re more likely to believe they can succeed and that belief can carry them far beyond school walls.
Comments