Supporting school learning at home
When dads support school learning at home, this shows our kids that we truly value education and the school.
Your job as a parent is to encourage them, support them and challenge them to learn and do their best. If you can instill in them the mindset that learning is a process, that is positive and enjoyable, they will grow up to be lifelong learners who thrive on challenges.
Evidence – Did you know?
- Fathering involvement in educational activities with their children is associated with improved educational outcomes for all students.
- Children at all ages with fathers interested and involved in their learning have a clear academic advantage.
- Children do not stop needing their fathers because they get older, or because lives get busy.
- You don’t have to be strong academically yourself to have an impact on your child’s education. Evidence shows you just have to be supportive and positive about learning.
Top tips
- Read with your child from an early age and encourage a positive attitude to learning from reading – both books and online.
- Promote a positive mindset in your children to help them see the benefits and enjoyment that can be found in learning and improvement.
- Don’t put too much pressure on them. Encourage them to be as good as they can be and help them plan how to improve.
- Be willing to help with homework, even if that just means asking them questions.
- Let them be independent learners and be there to support, if they want to do the home learning themselves.
- Encourage them to see mistakes as an important part of the learning process, and help them to see how to use their mistakes to learn.
- If homework is causing stress or arguments, put it aside and take a break. Try again later and if there are still problems, contact the teacher to discuss solutions.
Dr Bruce Robinson is the founder of The Fathering Project – see more from Bruce
If you or your children are struggling
Kids can call Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 or Youth Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or you can contact your child’s GP. If you are struggling, call Lifeline on 131 114, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
Mondays with Fathering Project founder Dr Bruce Robinson
We want to foster connection, sharing and collaborating in this time of isolation and need. The Fathering Channel is an online community hub and a source of research-based advice, support and information. Tune in every Monday for Bruce’s weekly video – packed with fathering advice and tips.
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We want to foster connection, sharing and collaborating in this time of isolation and need. The Fathering Channel is an online community hub and a source of research-based advice, support and information. Tune in every Monday for Bruce’s weekly video – packed with fathering advice and tips.
Subscribe for Updates
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