Back to school is also back to school for parents. Packing school bags, homework, the first tests: this stress affects parents as much as children. Here are our tips for starting the school year well, whether your child is in primary school, secondary school or starting higher education.
The first weeks set the tone
A good start is not only about the first day. The first weeks shape the habits of the whole year, good and not so good.
Starting well does not mean working more. It is mostly about quickly setting a few simple landmarks, avoiding the usual pitfalls and keeping a good balance from the outset.
In the French-speaking Community of Belgium (Wallonia-Brussels Federation), the school year starts at the end of August and, since the 2022 reform, alternates roughly seven weeks of classes with two weeks of holiday. The autumn break therefore comes quickly: it is a good time for a first review with your child.
Approaching the year with a positive outlook
Avoid gloomy predictions such as “This year, you really have to buckle down” or “You are repeating the year, there is no room for mistakes”. These words add pressure without offering a solution.
Instead, approach the new year without preconceptions, like a blank page. If your child lacks motivation, a little novelty can help:
- a new after-school activity;
- a rearranged desk or a refreshed bedroom;
- a concrete, achievable goal for the first term.
Setting a regular study routine
From the first days, plan a daily moment for homework and lessons, always at about the same time. Regularity matters more than duration.
In primary school, the length of homework is regulated by a 2001 decree of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation:
- in years 1 and 2, no written homework, only short activities such as reading or telling the family what was done in class;
- in years 3 and 4, 20 minutes at most;
- in years 5 and 6, 30 minutes at most.
Children must be able to do this homework without an adult’s help. Your role is to provide a framework, not to do the work for them. If homework becomes a source of conflict, our homework help for primary school can take over.
In secondary school, no common rule sets how long pupils should work at home: each school decides. Study time increases over the years and depends on the subjects chosen. What matters most is studying a little every day rather than leaving everything until the night before a test.
Making good use of weekends and holidays
Weekends and holidays are a chance to review lessons and catch up before a gap widens. A fixed slot, for example on Saturday morning, is often enough.
Morning is usually a good time: the mind is rested and more receptive. Still, keep real breaks, because holidays are also for resting.
Setting up a quiet place to work
Choose a quiet spot with your child, away from the comings and goings of the family. A tidy desk without distractions helps concentration.
- TV, radio and games computer switched off;
- smartphone on silent, or in another room while working;
- school diary, supplies and notes kept in the same place.
Going through the school diary together at the start of each week helps your child plan ahead for tests and assignments.
Staying in touch with the school
At the very least, attend the parent-teacher meeting. It is a chance to meet the class teacher and understand what the school expects of your child.
If a subject is a problem, ask the teacher concerned about their expectations and the study method they recommend. If you sense anxiety or unhappiness, the school’s PMS centre (psycho-medical-social centre) can also see you.
Spotting difficulties early
A gap from last year, a new subject, a study method that no longer works: it is better to notice in October than at the Christmas report.
The most common pitfall is waiting. Encourage your child to ask questions in class and to seek help without waiting for the first bad mark. One question too many is better than a late warning.
Often the difficulty lies not in the subject but in the way of studying. In that case, working on study skills makes a big difference.
Supporting motivation and confidence
At the start of the year, many pupils compare themselves with others and judge themselves harshly. Remind your child that a successful year does not mean being better than everyone else. It means understanding how you learn, moving forward at your own pace and knowing when to ask for help.
Motivation that comes from within (curiosity, interest, a personal project) usually lasts longer than the promise of a reward or the threat of a punishment. Help your child connect what they learn with what they enjoy or imagine doing later.
If your child is already dragging their feet in September, our article “My child doesn’t like school” offers practical ideas.
Keeping a balance: sport, sleep and relaxation
Sport lets your child burn off energy and unwind after the school day. It also promotes good sleep, which is essential for remembering what has been learned.
Keep a regular bedtime, especially on school nights, and leave room for moments when school is completely off their mind.
Checking in regularly, without constant supervision
Take a moment to check in, for example once a week with a young child and a little less often with a teenager. Ask how they feel at school, how they get on with their teachers and classmates, what they enjoy and where they get stuck.
Show that you are there to help, with the subject matter as well as with organisation. However, avoid sitting next to them every time they work or reminding them every day to bring home good results. They need space to progress at their own pace and make their own mistakes.
What about when your child starts higher education?
When your child enters higher education, your role changes. Students manage their own timetable and study, and exams come quickly. You remain a valuable support: a listening ear, a stable home base, and encouragement to get organised in the first weeks rather than at the end of the term.
When to call on a coach?
Every pupil is unique. Some need structure, others targeted help in one subject, others still need to learn how to learn.
At My Sherpa, an educational advisor listens to you and chooses the coach who suits your child. Our coaches give private lessons at home anywhere in Belgium, or online, throughout the year, so that your child keeps on track, or gets back on track when needed.
Back to school is not a sprint, it is the starting point of a journey. And a good start makes all the difference.
