The first report card of the year is a great opportunity to start open conversations about school and study habits. Here are some helpful questions to guide the discussion:
How do you feel school is going? This open-ended question might get a “Fine” response, but don’t stop there. Ask for more details about each subject, teacher, and their friendships. Really listen—these are the people who influence your child’s experience.
What are you proud of, or what do you like being known for? Avoid letting them say “nothing.” It’s important for kids to find something that interests them and keeps them connected to school. Understanding what matters to them will also help you share your expectations.
What’s the best way for you to study and learn? This is a great time to rethink study routines. Everyone has their optimal time—whether it’s after school, later in the evening, or even early in the morning. Help them find what works best to stay focused and succeed.
What do we need to change? This is where planning and focusing on what you can control comes into play. Review what has worked and what hasn’t, then set specific goals. For example, instead of “study harder,” try something like “I’ll record my notes and listen to them twice this week,” or “I’ll attend math tutorials on Thursdays—please pick me up at 5 PM.”
