
Supporting your child in their studies is crucial for their academic performance, emotional and physical well-being, and future success.
When you’re fully engaged in and supportive of your child’s education, you help them develop effective study habits, as well as organizational and time management skills. This, in turn, can boost their self-esteem and confidence.
Parental involvement instills a love for learning in children. By fostering curiosity and teaching your child the value of education, you can help them develop essential skills and support their personal growth.
All these can help your young learner realize their long-term goals, increase their chances of achieving success all the way to higher education, and access better career prospects.
Your support will go a long way if your child is enrolled in an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which many international schools in Dubai, such as GEMS International School Al Khail, offer.
The IB program is known for its rigorous academic curriculum and holistic approach to education.
It is a highly recommended educational program for students since it is an internationally recognized qualification. Its curriculum also emphasizes experiential learning, independent thinking and global citizenship.
Since the IB curriculum can sometimes be challenging, your child needs all the help they can get to thrive and excel in their studies.
How to Support Your Child Enrolled in an IB School?
Regardless of the IB program or level your child is enrolled in, you can help them thrive and excel in school by following these tips:
1. Take the time to understand the IB curriculum
If you are unfamiliar with the IB curriculum, understanding it is the first thing you need to do to show your support for your child.
Start by getting a clear idea of the basics. These include the subjects your learner has to take, which include the following:
- Individuals and societies
- Language acquisition
- Mathematics
- Sciences
- Studies in language and literature
- The arts
As the learner reaches the Diploma Programme (DP), they have to take three higher level subjects and three standard level ones.
Lastly, in the IB program, the student’s final scores combine the results of their internal and external assessments.
When you understand the basics of the program, you’ll know the particular stresses and strains your child will go through, and you can come up with ways to help them.
2. Maintain a good relationship with your child’s teachers
Meet your child’s teachers at the start of the academic year and let them know you are fully engaged in your little one’s education. Tell them that they can talk to you about anything regarding your child’s studies. Also, attend parent-teacher meetings to stay informed about your child’s progress. During these conferences, ask the teachers for guidance and suggestions on how you can support your young learner’s specific needs.
Regular communication and meetings with the teachers ensure that you’re well-informed about the curriculum and can give your child the help they need to enhance their learning experience.

3. Establish a supportive environment
Creating an open, honest and supportive environment at home is crucial for your child’s success in the IB program and their studies in general. Students sometimes need to vent when they’re frustrated with their homework, projects and some topics they are currently studying.
When you notice your child is upset, ask them if they want to talk about it. Let them know that they can tell you anything. When you practice open communication and active listening, you enable your young learner to share their thoughts, concerns, and challenges. This will foster a positive mindset and boost their confidence in navigating the demands of the IB curriculum.
4. Recommend study and research methods
Your child needs to explore different learning and research strategies to navigate the IB curriculum. As such, look for recommended methods, discuss these with your child and encourage them to apply these in their studies.
Start by teaching your child ways to combine different learning styles. For instance, if your child is learning about algebra, aside from giving them algebraic problems to solve, look for instructional videos they can watch to know more about the subject or lesson.
Also, the IB program places significant emphasis on research and investigation. Encourage your child to explore various resources, including books, magazines and online resources, and help them analyze and evaluate the information they read. By honing their research skills, you’re empowering your child to excel in their research-based assignments.
5. Help your child improve their time management skills
Good organizational skills can go a long way in helping your child excel in an IB school. They can develop these skills when they have and follow a study schedule.
Teach your child how to prioritize tasks, set realistic goals and allocate sufficient time for studying each subject. Also, encourage them to break tasks into smaller ones. Remind your little ones to use a timer when studying so that they can stay on track and finish their tasks on time.
By instilling these skills early on, you can empower your child to handle their workload efficiently and reduce stress levels.
6. Encourage a balanced lifestyle
Although academic excellence is crucial, it’s equally vital for your child to maintain a balanced lifestyle. Encourage them to participate in extracurricular activities they enjoy, such as sports, arts, music or community service. They can also join neighborhood athletic clubs or any group where they can pursue their passion or interest.
Through these activities, your child can develop more life skills, experience well-rounded growth, and get a much-needed break from their schoolwork.
This will enhance your child’s overall well-being and contribute to their success in the IB program.
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7. Look after your child’s health
Lastly, one of the best ways you can help your child navigate the IB program is to take care of them. Create a loving environment at home. Provide your child with balanced meals and reward them with their favorite treats occasionally. Ensure your child gets enough rest and relaxation by arranging movie and game nights and family outings during long breaks.
Additionally, ensure your young learner gets enough quality sleep. Set a time for them to turn in at night. Allow them to wake up late on weekends as well.
Finally, teach your child stress management techniques. Encouraging them to meditate or practice deep breathing can help them manage their anxieties and focus on their studies.
Supporting your child’s success in an IB program requires dedication, encouragement and effective strategies. With your support, your child will not only succeed academically but also develop valuable life skills that will benefit them long after they’ve completed their educational journey.