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When academic struggles arise, the focus needs to shift from the letter or number on the report card to the process of learning itself. By taking intentional steps at home, parents can help their children embrace the learning journey and develop key skills that extend beyond school walls. Here are five strategies to guide your efforts in supporting your child beyond the report card:
A growth mindset, as coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. Encouraging this mindset can have a transformative effect on how your child approaches learning and academic challenges.
Instead of focusing solely on the final grade, praise your child’s effort, strategies, and progress. For example, if your child studied hard for a test but didn’t achieve the grade they hoped for, commend them for their perseverance and encourage reflection on what could be done differently next time. This helps them see learning as a process that takes time and effort, not as something defined by immediate success or failure.
Growth mindset can also be cultivated by celebrating small wins. If your child completes an assignment on time or demonstrates a new skill, acknowledge that accomplishment. By doing so, you help reinforce the idea that effort is valuable and that learning is about growing—no matter how small the steps may seem.
Neurodivergent children, especially those with ADHD or other learning differences, often struggle with organization and time management. Establishing a structured study routine can help bring order to the chaos and make learning more manageable.
Work with your child to develop a consistent routine that incorporates time for breaks, movement, and relaxation. For example, if they have a challenging homework assignment, you could use a timer to set 25-minute work intervals followed by a 5-minute break (this technique is known as the Pomodoro Technique). Movement breaks can be especially beneficial for children with ADHD, as physical activity can help regulate attention and improve focus.
The key is consistency—having a set time each day for study, play, and downtime helps create a sense of security and predictability. This structure reduces the anxiety that often accompanies unstructured time and helps your child stay focused on tasks.
For children with executive function challenges, large or complex tasks can feel overwhelming and lead to avoidance. Whether it’s a school project, a writing assignment, or a series of math problems, breaking tasks into smaller, bite-sized parts can make them feel more manageable.
Teach your child how to take a large task and divide it into smaller steps. For instance, if they have a big science project, break it down into stages: research, outlining, drafting, and finalizing. You can also create checklists with them to visually track their progress and celebrate each step they complete.
Breaking tasks down not only reduces feelings of overwhelm but also gives children a sense of accomplishment as they move through each phase. This is particularly important for children who struggle with attention or who may feel paralyzed by the idea of starting a large assignment.
Focusing solely on areas of weakness can leave your child feeling discouraged and unmotivated. Instead, highlight their strengths and find ways to integrate them into their learning.
For example, if your child is a strong visual learner, encourage the use of diagrams, charts, or graphic organizers to help them process information. If they enjoy storytelling or are particularly creative, have them write stories or draw illustrations related to what they’re learning. By building on their natural abilities and interests, you can help foster a sense of pride and confidence in their learning journey.
Identifying and celebrating strengths is especially important for neurodivergent children, as they may already feel self-conscious about their challenges. Strength-based learning reinforces the idea that every child has unique talents and abilities—and that those strengths can be leveraged to support areas of growth.
If your child continues to struggle despite your efforts to create a supportive environment at home, it might be time to seek additional support. Academic challenges can sometimes be rooted in underlying learning difficulties, executive function deficits, or mental health issues. A professional evaluation can provide clarity on your child’s specific needs and lead to targeted interventions.
At Mindworks, we specialize in working with neurodiverse learners and can help you better understand your child’s learning profile. Whether it’s navigating ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences, professional guidance can offer valuable insights and strategies to support your child’s unique needs.
Supporting your child beyond the report card requires a shift in perspective. By focusing on the process of learning rather than the final outcome, you empower your child to build resilience, develop important life skills, and experience the joy of growing through effort. Embracing a growth mindset, establishing structure, breaking down tasks, and leaning into their strengths can make a profound difference in your child’s educational experience.
Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. If you ever need additional guidance or support, Mindworks is here to help. By working together, we can support your child in becoming a more confident and capable learner.