Most parents don't realize that the benefits of getting good grades can affect more than their kids' future education and careers. Kids who do well in school are more likely to be drug free.¹ It's a great reason to help your child thrive in his studies and develop a positive attitude toward learning.

A young child's experiences in her school and community can influence whether she may try alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs later on. Research shows that a child's academic failure and lack of commitment in elementary school increase the chances that she will abuse drugs as a teen.²

But there are many reasons why a child might be getting poor grades, and it's up to moms and dads to get to the root of the problem. Talk with your child and his teachers to find out where he's having trouble. You might learn that your child's poor grades are the result of something unexpected-maybe he can't see the chalkboard or has poor study habits or is distracted by something in the classroom. Taking action early can help your child overcome his problems and improve in school.

The best way to guide your child on the path to school success is to get involved in her education. When you do, you strengthen the relationship between you, your child, teachers-and the school environment-which helps to keep her healthy and drug free. ³

To take a more active role, you can:

• Help your child to set up a schedule and organize his time. When he does his homework, make sure that he sits at a desk or table in a well-lit area that is free from distraction. Help him with his homework if he needs it.
• Read with your child. Reading together helps build your child's reading skills and also helps her bond with you. The time you spend reading a story brings you closer together. Taking turns with family reading is fun and can extend beyond a child reading on her own.
• Take an interest in what your child is learning in school. Get updates on what happens in class, keep up with his work, stay in contact with his teacher, and attend back-to-school nights and parent-teacher conferences.
• Set appropriate and clear expectations for schoolwork and grades. Discuss with your child what her goals are and what you expect from her during the school year. Create guidelines with your child, and make sure she knows that she can ask you for help if she is having trouble.
• Clearly define house rules and your expectations-whether it's for a curfew, his behavior, or his actions and the consequences of breaking them. Enforce rules and consequences consistently. Talk with your child about how he should behave both in and out of school.

There may be times when you and your child need extra help in metrics, algebra, or grammar. Don't be afraid to ask for it. Work with the school and your community to find support groups, skills development classes, peer tutors, counselors, or teachers who can lend a hand. These resources can help you get your child on the right academic and behavioral track.

The elementary school years are a key period of learning for your child. She's learning many new social and academic skills. By helping your child do well in school you can help to prepare her for a future that is healthy and drug free.

Sources

Additional Resources

U.S. Department of Education: Helping Your Child With Homework

U.S. Department of Education: Homework Tips for Parents

Factoid

(Helping America's Youth-The White House. The Impact of Caring Adults in Families, last referenced 9/14/07.)

Conversation Starters

What subject do you think is the hardest? What could help make it less difficult for you?

What kinds of books do you most like to read?

Do kids at your school think getting good grades is a good thing or do they think it's uncool? What do you think about that?