It’s not always easy to know what’s going on in our children’s worlds, especially as they get older. Here are 5 ways you can connect with your student!
1. Talk to them about their day.
When talking to your kids about school (or life in general), try to use open ended questions! These types of questions cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no” – which means they encourage active conversation. Questions that start with who, what, where, why, when, and how are all good starting points for an extended discussion! Learn more about how to phrase open ended questions that will inspire your child’s curiosity.
2. Ask for specific academic updates.
Try to address specific topics rather than general queries. For instance, after asking a student “What did you learn in math class today?” You can follow it up with “How are you feeling about fractions since your last tutoring session?” This lets your child know you’re paying attention to their daily routine and have an active interest in their academic progress!
3. Be an active observer.
Sometimes the best way to connect is to simply observe. Watching our kids can teach us a lot – about their interests, pastimes, and challenges. When it comes to academic difficulties, there are several signs that parents can be on the lookout for! Check out Tutor Doctor’s Ultimate Guide to checking your child’s mental well-being.
4. Plan learning activities.
Learning activities are a great way to strengthen family bonds while also fostering your child’s sense of curiosity. From at-home science experiments to planned museum trips, there are tons of great learning activities parents can organize for their kids to enjoy! Here are some fun ideas for learning activities the whole family will love.
5. Follow them on social media.
In today’s world, most students have a social media account. We highly recommend “friending” or “following” your child for a couple of reasons – first, because it will give you an insight into their interests through the content they choose to share. But more importantly – having an active eye on their social media presence can help protect them against online harassment and unsafe behaviors. Learn more about how to safeguard your child on social media!
