
When Praise Backfires: The Problem With Overpraising Kids
Praising children builds confidence, right? Yes—until it doesn’t. Learn how overpraise can backfire, and what to say instead to help your child grow resilient and self-assured.
Home > Parenting Challenges > Parenting Mistakes > Can Parents Improve Academic Performance
When a child starts falling behind or not reaching their potential in school, parents often feel helpless or unsure of how to help—without becoming too pushy. But boosting academic performance doesn’t require tutors, punishment, or constant hovering. In fact, some of the most effective strategies are rooted in emotional support, structure, and subtle habits at home. This article shares 10 research-backed, realistic things parents can do to support their child’s learning journey. Whether your child is struggling, coasting, or capable of more, these small shifts can create big change—without turning your home into a pressure cooker.
Supporting academic performance means helping your child become an independent, curious, and motivated learner. It’s not just about grades—it’s about building the mindset and habits that make learning feel empowering, not exhausting. For parents, this doesn’t mean taking over homework, forcing study marathons, or comparing your child to others. Instead, it’s about creating an environment at home that values effort over perfection, encourages growth over fear, and builds trust over pressure. It’s about showing your child: “I believe in you—and I’m here to help you believe in yourself.”
Praising children builds confidence, right? Yes—until it doesn’t. Learn how overpraise can backfire, and what to say instead to help your child grow resilient and self-assured.
Using fear instead of reason may get short-term results—but it damages your child’s trust, confidence, and relationship with you. Learn why fear isn’t a teaching tool.
Single parenting requires resilience and creativity. Learn how to navigate challenges, strengthen bonds, and create a positive environment for your child.
Buddy parenting builds a closer parent-child bond by emphasizing trust, friendship, and open communication. Learn how this style nurtures emotional and social growth.
Excessive screen time is replacing real play, movement, and emotional growth. Learn how digital babysitting affects your child’s development—and what you can do instead.
Every child struggles sometimes. What matters most isn’t how quickly they bounce back—it’s whether they know they’re not alone. Your belief, calm support, and patience are the most powerful academic tools you have. Help them plan, celebrate their growth, and remind them that learning is a journey—not a race. Confidence isn’t built through pressure—it’s built through presence. Let your child see that even when they fall short, your support never does.
Are you too hands-off? Too hands-on? Our parenting style quiz can help you find out—and shift into a support mode that fits your child’s needs. When you understand your natural style, it’s easier to adjust expectations, communication, and discipline. You’ll see not just how you parent, but how your child learns best. And that’s the secret to real academic growth: connection over correction.
Helping your child succeed in school doesn’t mean doing it for them. It means walking beside them—guiding, cheering, and giving them the tools to believe in themselves. These small, consistent acts from home can transform their academic life. And yours too.