A few weeks ago, I was invited to introduce myself to a group of Korean parents at a seminar about international university options. During my talk, I shared strategies to support their children’s academic, social, and emotional well-being.
One question that comes up frequently from the parents was:
“Should I send my Grade 9 son to an after-school academy?”
This is a common concern among parents, often fueled by the pressure of seeing other children attending academies or private tuition. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on each child and family situation.
Here are some insights I shared with the group:
1️⃣ Focus on your child’s unique needs: Every child has their own strengths, challenges, and learning styles. Understanding these is the first step.
2️⃣ Think beyond academics: Raising well-rounded individuals means nurturing social and emotional intelligence alongside academic success.
3️⃣ Set clear objectives: Parents and children should align on the purpose of additional academic support, whether it’s to excel in a subject or gain confidence.
4️⃣ Tailor support to the individual: Academic support should be suited to a child’s age, personality, and learning style, ensuring it complements their overall development.
5️⃣ Encourage balance and avoid burnout: After-school programs should enhance learning, not overwhelm. Children need time for rest, hobbies, and social interaction to maintain a balanced school and home life.
6️⃣ Consider long-term goals: Reflect on how extra academic support fits into your child’s broader academic and personal development. Will it help them develop skills or achieve outcomes that matter in the long run?
7️⃣ Involve your child in the decision: Open conversations with your child can ensure their interests and motivations are considered, fostering a sense of ownership in their learning.
8️⃣ Consider home support: With tailored guidance and resources, at-home support can sometimes be as effective as formal tutoring or an academy. As parents, your goal isn’t to follow the crowd but to make choices that truly benefit your child.
💡 What are your thoughts? How do you approach decisions about after-school academic programmes? 여러분은 자녀를 학원에 보내거나 과외를 시킬 때 어떤 기준으로 접근하고 결정을 내리나요?
👩🏻💼 My name is Yuri Kim, a Bridging Education & Positive Psychology specialist, mentor and ICF-accredited coach. If you’d like to explore tailored strategies for your child’s education, feel free to reach out.
#Parenting #Education #ChildDevelopment #PositiveEducation #AfterSchoolSupport #자녀교육 #긍정심리교육 #EduchologyPlus