Struggles Last Year? Here’s How to Set Your Child Up for Success This Fall
- Rebecca Masinter
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
Did your child struggle last school year? Are you dreading a repeat this fall of watching them fall behind, lose confidence, or feel overwhelmed?
You don’t have to navigate it alone. Guided Year: Pathways In School offers month-by-month support, practical guidance, and a community of like-minded parents who are working to help their kids thrive. Join now for a full year of encouragement, ideas, and thoughtful conversations (like this one!) to help your child start strong and stay strong all year long. (And yes, Guided Year members get personalized support and suggestions for their children's specific personalities to help with their individual challenges!)
In less than a month, our children will be starting a new school year—hopefully filled with excitement and optimism! If your child struggled with a particular subject or skill last year, now is a great time to give them a head start. A few weeks of intentional support can boost their confidence and skills before the year begins.
Helping your child start the year feeling capable and confident can set the tone for a smoother school experience. It also makes the transition to a new grade, teacher, and set of academic expectations easier.
Start by identifying what your child found difficult last year, then brainstorm creative ways to help them gain traction before school begins.
Here are two common challenges and some simple solutions to get you thinking:
Challenge:
Your 9-year-old son isn’t very athletic, which didn’t matter much in the earlier grades. But last year, basketball became popular in his class, and you suspect it will dominate recess again this year. He’s barely played and may feel left out.
Potential Solutions:
Hire a neighborhood teen to hang out and teach him basketball a few evenings a week.
Block out time on your (or your spouse’s) calendar to shoot hoops, play dribbling games, or help him build basic skills. (Not sure where to start? A quick Google search will give you plenty of ideas.)
Challenge:
Your 7-year-old struggled with addition facts last year, and you’re worried she’ll fall behind in subtraction this year without a strong foundation.
Potential Solutions:
Pick up a pack of flash cards and turn practice into fun, low-pressure games together.
Flashcard Flip: Take turns flipping over cards. If you get the answer right, you keep the card. Most cards wins.
Math War: Like the classic card game—each player flips two cards and adds them. Highest sum wins the round.
Memory Match: Match flashcard problems with their answers, just like a traditional memory game.
If she enjoys art, download or purchase an addition-themed coloring or sticker book and set aside quiet time to do it together.
Download skip counting or addition and subtraction songs to play (and sing!) in the car or around the house.
Find a math game (there are many great ones!) and set aside a few evenings to play together as a family.
Don’t underestimate your ability to help. Parents are the most important people in a child’s life. Even if your child attends school for their education, your role in their learning journey remains pivotal. Your creativity and involvement this month can help your child thrive over the next ten months!
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