<p>Now recognized as essential to children’s academic success, the concept of school perseverance has emerged as a major topic in the education community. We’re hearing more and more about its importance in many aspects of personal development, and it’s more than just a passing fad.</p>
Education is not a linear process for everyone. At school, a child’s journey is likely to be punctuated by successes as well as challenges and even failures. This means that perseverance will be a determining factor at different stages of their school career.
When faced with difficulties or obstacles in everyday life, children learn to adapt and overcome challenges. These trials bring a host of learning experiences that help them develop their full potential. This strengthens their confidence in their own abilities, which will stand them in good stead throughout their personal and professional lives.
Stimulating perseverance in early childhood
The people in a child’s life play an essential role in motivation and school perseverance. From early childhood onwards, parents, family, friends and educators can act in a way that encourages a child to develop perseverance. Valuing education by talking positively about school is a first example.
In particular, you can nurture their curiosity and desire to learn by offering them new activities in a stimulating, safe environment. First, make sure your expectations are realistic and appropriate for your child and their age. Then demonstrate your confidence in your child through your actions, in particular by:
- promoting independence as often as possible;
- respecting their ways of doing things;
- giving them time to solve their own problems;
- asking if they need your help before intervening;
- valuing efforts rather than results.
Through experimentation, your child will change their perception of error and failure. You can then gradually bring them out of their comfort zone. Welcome their emotions and doubts, then spotlight their strengths. You’ll help them face any challenges they may encounter.
Become models of perseverance
Children often mistakenly think that they’re the only ones who don’t know the answer, who make mistakes, who don’t get it right the first time or who fail. As a parent, it’s important to show them that learning is a process, and that it usually takes effort and perseverance to achieve our goals.
Generally speaking, children learn a great deal from adults by observing them. When the opportunity arises, why not expose them to your own challenges? For example, you could name some of the obstacles you face on a daily basis, then talk about how you will persevere and overcome them and, above all, what you learn through trial and error.
Recognize a lack of motivation
Despite their best efforts, young people can sometimes find themselves going through tougher times at school, as well as in their personal lives. Whether it’s because of learning difficulties, a one-off situation or persistent challenges, they can feel demotivated and gradually disengage from school.
Some signs may be obvious, while others are more difficult to detect. Your child may change the way they talk about school, be frequently absent or late, refuse to do homework, forget their materials more and more often, or change certain aspects of their behaviour. For example, you might observe one of these changes:
- lack of sleep, appetite or energy;
- less attention to personal care;
- more negative attitude to self;
- episodes of stress and anxiety;
- social isolation, avoidance or escape.
Overcoming disengagement: how to intervene?
It’s important to be on the lookout for changes in your child’s behaviour or attitude. As a parent, there are three things you can do to help your child regain motivation, encourage school perseverance and reduce the risk of disengagement.
1. Maintain a healthy relationship
The most important thing is to maintain the relationship with your child. Even if there’s tension, it’s important to let them know that you’re there to listen to their needs. You can also tell them that you’ve noticed some changes. It may take a little letting go, but it’s a real opportunity to show your commitment to their well-being.
2. Help them experience success
Experiencing success outside school will have a positive effect on your child’s confidence and self-esteem. Even if they resist, show your support. Talk to them about their interests, aspirations, projects or passions. This may allow them to get back in touch with the activities that energize them and, who knows, rekindle their motivation!
3. Finding a balance in life
Balancing school, hobbies, work and personal projects can help with school perseverance. Children need to have a life and learn outside of school. This allows them to explore, get to know each other better, discover their strengths and interests, meet new people or develop their passions.
Your support is key to school perseverance
The ultimate goal of school perseverance is for every child to reach their full potential. In education, the path to success is different for everyone. When your child’s steady efforts result in repeated failures, turn your attention to the child rather than the obstacles. They need your support. Maybe it’s time to have some courageous conversations with them:
- What do they want?
- How do they see themselves in the future?
- What do they need to feel better?
- How do they see themselves achieving their dreams or projects?
If you haven’t already done so, you can also contact the school and involve the various adults around your child. You’re not alone: There are all kinds of resources available to help you think through the various options available to support your child’s academic development and well-being.
Josée Filion
Specialized educator and family coach
Nanny secours network collaborator since 2015
