Strengthening the Bridge Between Home and School

At PGDAV Senior Secondary School, we understand that education is a team effort — one where students, teachers, and parents all play a vital role. While our teachers work hard in the classroom to shape young minds, the support students receive at home is equally important in helping them succeed academically, emotionally, and socially.

This article is specially written for you — the parents — to help you feel more connected to your child’s school journey and offer practical, meaningful support at home. From homework routines to emotional well-being, here are some trusted tips from our educators and counselors to guide you.

1. Build a Consistent Homework Routine

Children thrive on routine. When there is a regular time and quiet space set aside for studying, it becomes easier for them to focus and build discipline.

✅ How to help:

• Set a fixed study time each day, preferably in the early evening.

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area free from distractions like the TV or loud music.

• Keep school supplies handy — pens, notebooks, water bottle, etc.

• Avoid pressuring your child. Instead, encourage effort and stay patient if they are struggling.

📝 Tip: Ask your child to explain what they’ve learned. If they can teach you, they’ve truly understood it!

2. Communicate Regularly with Teachers

A strong school-home connection creates a support system around your child. Parents and teachers are a team — and communication is key.

✅ How to help:

• Attend PTMs (Parent-Teacher Meetings) regularly and come prepared with questions.

• If your child is facing any challenges (emotional, academic, or social), don’t hesitate to inform the teacher.

• Follow up on teacher feedback. Together, you can create a plan that supports your child both at school and home.

• Appreciate teachers’ efforts — a small thank-you goes a long way in building positive relationships.

📧 Tip: Stay updated through the school website, announcements, or parent groups.

3. Balance Screen Time and Study Time

In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere — phones, TVs, tablets, and computers. While technology can be useful for learning, excessive screen time can harm concentration, sleep, and mental well-being.

✅ How to help:

• Set clear rules for screen time during weekdays (e.g., 1 hour after homework is done).

• Encourage offline hobbies — reading, drawing, outdoor games, music, or board games.

• Use parental controls and supervise online activities.

• For older students using the internet for study, help them stay focused by minimizing distractions like social media.

📵 Tip: Create “no-screen zones” like during meals or just before bedtime.

4. Understand and Support Emotional Needs

Every child has emotional ups and downs — especially during teenage years. Peer pressure, academic stress, and changes in the body can make school life overwhelming.

✅ How to help:

• Be a good listener. Sometimes children just need someone to hear them without judgment.

• Watch for signs of stress — withdrawal, sudden anger, change in appetite or sleep.

• Reassure them that it’s okay to fail or feel sad, and that you’re always there for them.

• Praise effort, not just results. This builds confidence and reduces fear of failure.

💬 Tip: Make time for daily conversations — even 15 minutes of undivided attention can make a big difference.

5. Encourage a Growth Mindset

A “growth mindset” means believing that intelligence and skills can improve with effort and learning. It’s the opposite of “I’m just not good at this.”

✅ How to help:

• Avoid saying “You’re not good at math” or “That’s not your subject.” Instead say, “You can improve with practice.”

• Celebrate mistakes as learning opportunities.

• Share your own stories of struggles and how you overcame them.

💪 Tip: Use phrases like “You worked really hard on this!” instead of just “You’re so smart.”

6. Promote Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Good nutrition, sleep, and exercise play a major role in your child’s ability to focus and perform in school.

✅ How to help:

• Ensure your child gets 7–9 hours of sleep each night.

• Pack balanced, home-cooked lunches and snacks.

• Encourage daily physical activity — even a walk or game in the park is beneficial.

🥦 Tip: Avoid sugary snacks or energy drinks before study sessions — they cause energy crashes.

7. Be a Role Model

Children learn more from what you do than what you say. If they see you reading, staying calm in tough situations, or valuing education, they’re more likely to do the same.

✅ How to help:

• Create a positive atmosphere at home where learning and curiosity are encouraged.

• Be calm and solution-focused when problems arise.

• Respect teachers and the school — your attitude influences how your child sees them.

📖 Tip: Set a “family reading time” once a week where everyone reads something of their choice together.

8. Stay Involved, Stay Encouraged

Your involvement doesn’t end after kindergarten. Even teenagers appreciate support (even if they don’t say it!).

✅ How to help:

• Attend school events, exhibitions, and functions.

• Help them prepare for exams, organize their study material, or quiz them before a test.

• Support their interests, whether it’s sports, music, writing, or science.

🎉 Tip: Celebrate milestones — finishing a tough project, scoring well, or even completing a study goal!

Final Thoughts: Every Step Counts

As a parent, your encouragement, time, and understanding are powerful tools in shaping your child’s future. At PGDAV Senior Secondary School, we deeply value the role of families in creating a supportive learning environment. Together, we can ensure that every child grows not just academically, but also emotionally and socially.

Remember: You don’t need to be perfect. Just be present. Your belief in your child can inspire them more than any textbook ever could.

“Behind every young child who believes in themselves is a parent who believed first.”