Help your Teen Reboot the School Year with 5 Questions
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Help your Child have a Fresh Start at School with Five Questions - Episode 069
If your child has struggled with school academically, it’s time that we make some changes. Going back to school means more than a new set of school supplies. It means new habits and a fresh attitude.
A new start is something we could always use.
How can we ensure our teens start the school year strong? How do we come back from the behaviors or low grades from the last school semester, quarter or years?
In this episode of School Counselor Gone Rogue, we discuss the 5 questions to ask your child to ensure a fresh start to the school year. Join academic coach Marni Pasch for a discussion on how to get a new perspective on the school year.
1. What is one thing you see a good student do?
When your child is facing difficulties in school, it can be hard to figure out where you should even start making things right. At times like this, the first order of business is to figure out what you have seen a good student do.
We aren’t necessarily talking about the students who get fantastic grades here. We’re just talking about basic. What usually is something you see a good student has or does?
If their response is vague (like they get good grades), then it’s better to encourage them to start with the small things first; for instance, things like how a good student always has a pencil, paper, and pen with them when they go to school. Now, this might not sound all that inspiring, but sometimes children can be so tired and frustrated with their grades that they need to start small. Sometimes, the only thing a good student needs is a pencil.
It’s good to start with small things. Even if the achievement is something like bringing a pencil every day, that one accomplishment can help build up their confidence back again.
Once we’ve gone through that, what else is left for an excellent student to do? They take notes. Then how do they make use of those notes? How do they take them? What does it look like?
What else? Your kid might say they pay attention. Well, the truth is, while paying attention is essential, it’s not easy, especially for children who have attention deficit disorder (ADHD). It’s not something that comes naturally to them.
How can we help with that then? They can say they will try to focus, but how are they going to do that? Will something such as a fidget spinner help?
Well, once you’ve started thinking about the basics of the action of a good student, it’s now up to your child. They don’t necessarily have to do things the way their peers do. They can do the same actions, but in a way that suits them and makes them feel better.
2. What’s one thing that you can work on changing that will make this next month easier at school?
Naturally, the next question flows to what would make their school life more comfortable. Just one thing that they think will get them through the next month. Maybe it’s something like submitting their homework on time.
Then, let’s expound on it. Why couldn’t they do it in the past? How are we going to change it? Then, let’s focus on doing maths assignment on time for the next month.
It doesn’t have to be an assignment. It can be anything that your kid wants. Listen to the full episode of School Counselor Gone Rogue for more ideas.
3. What are you responsible for? What can you control?
You can ask your child what is it that they can control school. What is something that can take responsibility for? You can’t change what others do, but you can change how you deal with it.
So, rather than thinking of teachers and schoolwork as something terrible that is happening to you. How can you turn the situation? What is the one thing you have control over in this scenario?
4. How will we know success?
We have started to build a list of the things your child can take action on, but who will we know if they are successful?
It’s not just about grades. How does your kid feel about the changes they have made? Do they think their relationship with their teacher, peers, or even you, the parent, has improved?
5. How will we know you are struggling?
If they aren’t succeeding, are they struggling?
As a parent, we are always waiting for a disaster to befall our kids because we continuously worry and care about them. However, instead of assuming things on our own, how about we ask them? What is a sign that will tell us they’re struggling?
We will dive into this more in-depth in The Parent Lab. The Parent Lab is a group for parents that provides monthly virtual workshops, study skills and more for parents to use to help their kiddo navigate school. Click here to get on the waitlist and take part in our new year, fresh start program!
In Closing
The fantastic thing about school quarters, semesters, and years is that they are always restarting. Before we know it, a new semester has begun. It doesn’t have to be the start of a new year for your child to turn things around if they have been struggling at school.
Your child can always start fresh at any point they want. Listen to the episode of School Counselor Gone Rogue for tips on how to start the conversation with your teen or tween and get on the waitlist for the parent lab!
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You can also sign up for the The Organized School Year waitlist at teampasch.com/theorganizedschoolyear. It’s an intensive workshop to help your child create and implement an organization system that meets their needs.
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Highlights
What to do if your child is failing a class
How to help your teen if they are struggling in school
Creating a plan to help your child in middle school or high school
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Marni Pasch| Host of School Counselor Gone Rogue| Academic Coach | Team Pasch Academic Coaching
I work with students in grades 6th and higher, who struggle with academic confidence and motivation. I help them survive school with less stress by helping them create concrete goals, tackle procrastination and learn creative study techniques. I empower students to take charge of their education and reach their goals. I do this through individual or group coaching so students achieve success in life, school, career readiness and their social endeavors. I provided in person academic coaching in Orlando, FL, but work with students across the country through Zoom!
