The transition into high school is a pivotal time for students, as they are developing habits and mindsets that shape future academic performance. Parents play a vital role in helping their children build momentum for future academic success by fostering productive study habits and cultivating a productive mindset. Here are five simple steps you can take to guide your student toward sustained academic growth.
Foster your child’s inherent motivation by sitting down with them to discuss short-term and long-term objectives. This discussion should include both academic and personal goals, forging a connection between the two. Teach your student to reflect on their progress regularly and celebrate academic victories as they would celebrate any other achievements, like learning a musical instrument or training for a sport. This helps students develop metacognitive skills, gain a sense of accomplishment, and take ownership of their work.
Help your student designate a quiet study space where they can be free from distractions, and help them create a study plan that fits their routine and priorities. Consistency is essential for building productive study habits. Make sure your plan includes dedicated time for completing homework, reviewing material, and preparing for tests. Additionally, establishing an external space for your student to store their phone while studying and allowing regular breaks will improve their focus on tasks at hand. Over time, this routine and structure helps students manage their workload and the increased responsibility of advanced classes and college preparation!
In high school, just as in life, setbacks and challenges are inevitable. Teach your child to expect these moments and view them as learning opportunities. Praising students’ hard work and perseverance reminds them that their effort is more important than immediate results. Studies of high schoolers indicate that having a growth mindset improves not only how well students perform academically, but also their sense of well-being. Modeling a growth mindset with your own goals and actions shows your child that making mistakes is normal and humans never stop learning.
Studying isn’t just about memorizing facts—it’s about understanding and applying knowledge. Encourage your child to use active learning techniques such as summarizing lessons in their own words, teaching concepts to a peer, or using flashcards and practice quizzes to reinforce the material. Additionally, remind them to ask questions in class and feel confident asking for help. Identifying gaps in their knowledge and actively seeking to fill those gaps will pave the way for your student to achieve success while studying independently in college.
Academic success isn’t just about studying core subjects. Physical health, mental well-being, and social connection are all essential elements to being a successful student. Regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and nutritious meals will keep your child’s mind sharp and energy levels high. Research shows that participating in extracurricular activities results in better educational outcomes, even after controlling for social class, gender, and intellectual aptitude. Giving students time to explore hobbies, participate in extracurriculars, and spend quality time with family and friends can prevent burnout, reduce stress, and support their overall performance. Understanding the various elements of a balanced lifestyle as a young adult will forever impact your child’s relationship with the world around them.
As a parent, your guidance and encouragement can make a world of difference in your child’s academic journey. By helping them develop productive study habits, stay motivated, and maintain balance, you’ll set the stage for advanced coursework, personal growth, and future success.
However, knowing where to start or how to address specific challenges can feel overwhelming. That’s where a consultation with an academic advisor can make a significant difference. Academic advisors are experts in identifying your child’s unique strengths and areas for growth. During a personalized consultation, they can provide actionable strategies to improve study habits, strengthen executive functioning skills, and set achievable goals tailored to your child’s needs. Together, you’ll create a clear plan to help your student gain confidence, stay on track, and build momentum for the years ahead.
Schedule a consultation with an academic advisor today to start building momentum for your child’s future!