Secrets of school success

Does it sometimes feel like everyone else knows the secrets of school success? Other people's children find learning to read easy. How come they get invited to parties? I think the teacher picks on my child. What am I meant to do at a parent-teacher-student conference thingy? What is a speech therapist and what does it mean if the teacher thinks my child needs one?

There are sooo many questions when your child starts school. What is important? What makes a difference to your child's school experience?

When we are older we don't remember much of what we learned at school, but we remember how we felt.  We remember the feelings of humiliation of being chosen last for sport, pride at winning the timetable race, happiness at a party invitation, embarrassment when the teacher hit us on the hand with a ruler, anxiety about exams..  

 We remember the feelings of humiliation of being chosen last for sport, pride at winning the timetable race, happiness at a party invitation, embarrassment when the teacher hit us on the hand with a ruler, anxiety about exams. ​

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So when we look at the secrets of school success we look at everything from the mechanics of learning - such concentration, memory, organisation, phonetical development; to the mindset and self-belief; social skills and communication; and the navigating of the school system - how do I know if this school is right for my child? what do I do when my child is bored or behind?  what rights do I have as a parent?  is my child ready for school?

It's thirteen years your child has at school!  And if you have more than one child you can spend 20-30 years in the school system!

But one step at a time....

​You don't have to go through this alone.

Experience and research have told us much about creating school success, including the nine things to include in a school success schedule. Having worked with 1000s of children, adolescents and parents for over 17 years, Positive Young Minds offers private consultations where you can talk about your concerns and we can help you work through a plan to address the tricky bits of your child's educational journey.


​Kim Ross
Child Psychologist, Fierce Self-Care Advocate and Founder of Positive Young Minds​
​updated 19th January 2022