Negative attitudes toward learning can create problems in a child’s education. Parents can help turn their child’s attitude towards learning into a more positive emotion.

Children often complain that learning is boring and because of this they resist doing their school work. This could be for a variety of reasons: Peer pressure to look ‘cool’ they are ahead of their class in math and reading ability, they don’t understand why school is important, or they could be having trouble with the material being presented. For whatever reason a child is resisting school and learning, it is the parent’s duty to help improve the student’s outlook and behaviour.

There are many ways you can improve your child’s attitude toward learning. These include setting an example, making learning fun, showing why it is important to learn, letting your children chose what they are learning, and, most importantly, helping your child if they are struggling with school.

Lead by example

Children often look to their parents when they form their habits. In order for your children to enjoy learning, you yourself must set a good example.

Read in front of your children or you could read a book with them. Other ways include watching educational TV shows such as those on National Geographic or the Discovery Channel, taking family trips to museums, and surfing the Internet together.

By making an increased effort to continue your learning, you are showing your children that education is a life-long and important habit. Additionally, sharing your childhood school experiences with your kids might be inspirational. Telling them about the fun you had in school with friends and the interesting things you learnt might prompt them to do something interesting in their classroom too.

Talk to them

Sit down and discuss with your children why they need to embrace their education. Explore together the skills and education they’ll need for their dream job.

Invite some recent high school or college graduates over to talk with your children. They can tell your students firsthand which skills are needed to complete their education. This could inspire your children to see why they should value learning.

Do fun educational activities

Even if they don’t like their regular studies, make sure your family is participating in fun educational activities together. This way your students can see that education and learning does not always have to be tedious. Hopefully this will make their homework more bearable.

Some fun educational activities you can do are visit museums or zoos, play educational games and puzzles, Internet activities, library reading activities, among others.

Children should also be allowed to learn various skills and areas that interest them. Ask your children if they have an interest in learning anything particular. Chances are they have wanted to know more about something particular.

Perhaps you can let your child pick what the family is to do for your weekly education time. Or, you can enroll your child in music, dance, theatre, science, math, reading, writing and other activities.