Kids are expected to excel in school. Yes, students must learn to produce good results and that requires self discipline. However, parents can serve as role models as well as help in lending advice and inspiration in forming good habits. Proactive parenting involves stimulating a child’s intellectual and creative growth.
Creative Trainer
Intelligence is not a black and white subject. All people have the potential to be “smart.” However, like getting and keeping a body in shape, the brain needs to be trained and regularly challenged. Parents can serve as intellectual and creative trainers who inspire and lend helpful advice to young students.
Nothing Good Comes Easy
Becoming a great student is not different from becoming a star athlete or employee. It requires work and continuous effort. Parents can help kids become great students by encouraging good habits, like studying throughout the week while ignoring or redirecting bad habits such as watching too much television. Study with kids so they can gain insight and form better study habits. Find resources online like this one that helps with the NNAT 2.
Reading is Food for the Brain
Reading is exercise for the brain. Some students naturally enjoy reading more than others, yet the critical thinking and brain activity involved is necessary for all students. Parents play a role in developing readers by reading to them at an early age, role modeling, and having books in the home. To start, supply kids with books on topics that interest them whether it’s space, dinosaurs, sports, etc.
Creativity is for All
When hearing “creativity,” some may envision an artist or writer. However, all people are creative and need creative stimulation. Even the most practical mathematician uses creativity to solve equations and apply mathematics to the real world. Teach kids to appreciate creative thinking and engage in activities that require creativity.
Escape Boredom
Adults and students alike treat boredom with certain kinds of entertainment, many times that means watching television or mindlessly surfing the Internet. Get your kid in the habit of escaping boredom with increased participation in hobbies, volunteering, and planning ahead. It’s too easy to turn on the television or play video games during downtime. In worse scenarios, a child will make time for television and video games despite needing to study, having an opportunity to play outside, or partaking in a hobby or interactive learning experience.
Model Good Behavior
Kids are smart and very perceptive. They won’t think much about your advice unless they observe you following it as well. For example, what’s the use of telling kids that “reading is important” if they always see you watching television? Model good behavior by going to the library with them, taking trips to museums, and sharing interesting hobbies. Learning is not just for young students but should be a lifestyle. Model good behavior and kids will not only respect your advice, but they’ll begin making their own positive associations to habits that stimulate creative and intellectual growth.
Oliver Dodd works as a teaching assistant and loves his job, most days! He enjoys seeing the kids learn, grow and overcome challenges whether in the classroom or the playground. He writes for teaching and parenting blogs.
