It gets hard on parents when they see their child struggling with school. When children are stressed, they can lose confidence, and in some cases, their health suffers. This makes parents feel worried as well, and some parents may even feel helpless. While some parents are unable to help directly in terms of academics, you can still support your child in other ways, like by taking extra care of their physical and emotional well-being.
If you are a parent with a child who is trying hard to stay afloat in school, these tips can help you show your support to your child. Chances are, you are already doing some of these, so kudos to you, and don’t give up!
Make sure your child is eating well
When stress levels run high, it becomes easy to neglect basic needs like food. Sometimes it is due to a loss of appetite, while other times, it may be a deliberate effort to free up more time to study. Busy students may also resort to unhealthy meals like instant food or snacks to fill their bellies. As a parent, you can help to make sure your child is eating enough every day. You can pack them some healthier snacks like fruits, nuts, or home-made sandwiches to give them something to munch on during study sessions in school. When they are at home, make it a point to eat together so that they have a smaller chance of missing their meals.
Encourage good sleep habits
Students need sufficient sleep for their minds to function optimally. Sleeping is also necessary for the brain to assimilate information and recharge for a new day of learning. While teenagers typically need 8-10 hours of sleep a day, most only get about 6 hours or less. For some students, sleeping becomes difficult even when they try to sleep, due to high stress levels. You can help your child by encouraging them to sleep at a fixed time every night, and winding down with relaxing activities before bedtime. In addition, you should ensure that their bedroom is conducive for sleeping – this means no bright lights, no noise, and a comfy bed.
Get a professional tutor
If your child is struggling with certain subjects in school, it might be beneficial to get a tutor to help them. You can find all kinds of tuition in Singapore, from Physics tuition to those for math, geography, and more. Professional tutors are well-versed in the school syllabus and can provide your child with more personalised attention. Although it might seem like you are adding another programme in your child’s already packed schedule, the advantages of receiving tuition can significantly alleviate their stress in the long run. When students can finally understand the subject content and grow in their confidence, they will feel less burdened and feel more in control.
Set clear boundaries
Children or teens who are stressed out at school may turn to other activities to unwind. This is perfectly healthy and acceptable. However, it can get out of hand when children invest too much time in these leisure activities, and neglect their studies. Most commonly, teens can get addicted to video games or watching TV. If you notice your child engaging in these activities for long periods of time, it may be time to talk to your child about it. Explore ways to help them manage their time and prioritise activities such that they can juggle their school work with other hobbies and commitments.
If you are not already doing these, it is time to get started! If your child needs Physics tuition for sec 3 level and above, we are also happy to help in your child’s journey.