Tips to help your kids

JUNE is Youth Month, a time to remind South Africans about the vital role of education for younger generations.

Parents’ involvement, support and encouragement can play an important role in their children’s success.

As a Youth Month initiative to help pupils get ready for exams, Riverside College, in Burgundy Estate in the northern suburbs, asked parents of top achievers to provide insight. Parents were asked why they think their child performs well at school, what their role is in this and to offer advice and tips. Tips included:

Be involved with your children’s work. Encourage and show interest.

Listen to what makes your children stressed.

Let them know they can come to you for help.

Keep expectation levels realistic – measure them on their own abilities and not somebody else’s.

Allow your children to make mistakes and learn from them without reacting negatively.

Let your children take their own approach to studying – ownership helps them buy into it and stick to it.

Encourage them to work hard and not give up, but also remind them to take breaks and enjoy their free time.

Encourage your children to ask about concepts they don’t understand. Do research together to ensure they grasp the content.

It is important to maintain routine around school work – this helps children understand expectations and responsibility.

Stay calm – if you are calm, chances are your child will be too. Sarah Waterfield On behalf of Elana Edwards Riverside College founder and director