How to Encourage Kids to Excel at School (While Taking Their Happiness Seriously)

In the Preschool years, educationalists and parents adopt the ‘Play and Learn’ approach. Why does this way of learning fade away in the later school years? Balanced learning is the way to go. Kids can excel in their studies and at the same time be happy doing it. Seems contradictory? Not at all if you read these tips. ~ Ed.

We all want our kids to excel at school, but who says success has to come at the expense of their happiness? Let’s face it: A+ grades and smiling faces are not mutually exclusive. There is a way to encourage your little ones to ace that math test without turning them into mini robots who sleep next to their textbooks (although, how cute would that be?).

11 Ways to Encourage Kids to Excel at School

Here are some effective ways to help your kids do well in school while keeping them sane—and maybe even happy—along the way.

Turn Learning Into a Game (Because Life Is a Game, Right?)

If your idea of helping your child excel at school involves quizzing them with flashcards until they beg for mercy, we need to talk. Kids love games, so why not turn learning into one? It could be as simple as turning math problems into a “who can answer first” competition or using spelling apps that feel like arcade games. There’s no reason school work has to feel like work when you can disguise it as fun. Besides, when you gamify learning, you sneak in that essential “practice makes perfect” time without the groans and eye rolls.

Prioritize Pre-K Sight Words Early On (Without Driving Everyone Nuts)

Alright, let’s talk about those prek sight words that keep popping up on every preschool agenda. Yes, they’re important for setting a strong reading foundation, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend hours drilling them like you’re preparing for the preschool Olympics. Instead, casually incorporate sight words into everyday life. You can spot them on cereal boxes, road signs, or even in bedtime stories. And once your kid nails the word “the” for the hundredth time, give them a high five and move on to more exciting things. Trust me, they’ll be happier for it—and you will too.

Encourage Questions (Even the Weird Ones)

Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it’s the fuel that drives academic success. If your child’s constantly asking why the sky is blue or how planes stay in the air, don’t shoo them away with an “I don’t know.” Instead, dive in! You don’t need to be a walking encyclopedia (that’s what Google’s for), but fostering their curiosity will teach them to love learning. And who knows, maybe their weird questions will lead to fascinating conversations that could end up inspiring a new favorite subject.

Create a Cozy Homework Space (AKA The “Productivity Zone”)

No one wants to sit in a dull, sterile environment to do their homework. You wouldn’t, so why should your kids? Set up a dedicated study space that’s comfy, well-lit, and stocked with all their favorite supplies. Throw in a funky lamp, a cushy chair, and a few colorful pens, and you’ve got yourself a homework haven that feels more “cool kid corner” and less “snooze fest.” Bonus points if you sneak in a snack drawer!

Celebrate the Little Wins (Because Acing a Spelling Test Deserves a Party)

It’s easy to get caught up in pushing your kids to do better, but let’s not forget to celebrate the victories along the way—no matter how small they seem. Whether it’s nailing a math problem they’ve been struggling with or moving up a reading level, those moments deserve a shout-out. Get creative with your celebrations—make it silly! Maybe they get to pick the dinner menu for the night or choose a fun family activity. These celebrations will remind your kids that effort and progress are just as important as perfection.

Break It Down into Bite-Sized Chunks (Because Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day)

If your kiddo is freaking out over a mountain of homework, take a deep breath and break it down. No one expects them to tackle all 20 math problems in one sitting (except maybe their teacher). Encourage them to work in small, manageable bursts with plenty of breaks. The Pomodoro Technique is a good example: 25 minutes of work followed by a short break can make even the most overwhelming task seem doable. Plus, regular breaks can help prevent burnout and keep those stress levels low.

Encourage Movement Breaks (Kids Are Not Statues)

Kids aren’t designed to sit still for hours. Heck, adults aren’t either! When schoolwork has your little one glued to their seat, give them permission to move around. Let them stretch, jump, or run in place for a few minutes. Incorporating movement not only helps release pent-up energy, but it also boosts focus and productivity when they return to their studies. Remember, sitting still is not a sign of success—movement is just as important!

Let Them Fail (Yep, You Heard That Right)

Failure gets a bad rap, but it’s actually one of the best teachers. Instead of swooping in to rescue your child from every mistake, let them experience the consequences of their decisions (within reason, of course). Whether it’s not studying for a quiz or forgetting to turn in an assignment, these little failures teach responsibility and resilience. Plus, once they realize they can recover from a less-than-stellar grade, they’ll be more motivated to put in the effort next time. And honestly, learning to bounce back is a life skill they’ll need far beyond the classroom.

Take Their Hobbies Seriously (Yes, Even Minecraft)

Is your kid obsessed with Minecraft, Fortnite, or some other game you barely understand? Well, news flash: these hobbies might actually help them excel in school. Gaming can improve problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination, and even teamwork (if they’re playing with friends). Instead of dismissing their hobbies as distractions, try finding the educational benefits in them. If you can strike a balance between screen time and study time, their hobby might even make them a better student.

Make Sleep Non-Negotiable (Trust Me, They’ll Thank You)

You know how cranky you get when you don’t get enough sleep? Kids are the same—times ten. Sleep is crucial for cognitive function, memory retention, and overall happiness. So, if you want your kids to excel at school, make sure they’re getting those precious Zzzs. Set a bedtime routine and stick to it, even if they beg for “just five more minutes.” They might grumble now, but their well-rested brains will thank you in the morning when they ace that spelling test.

Involve Them in Setting Goals (Because Ownership is Everything)

Instead of setting all the academic goals for your kids, why not involve them in the process? Let them have a say in what they want to achieve, whether it’s reading a certain number of books a month or improving their math skills. When they feel like they have ownership over their goals, they’ll be more motivated to work towards them. Plus, it teaches them the valuable skill of setting and pursuing goals, which will come in handy long after their school days are over.

Wrapping It Up

At the end of the day, it’s all about balance. Yes, we want our kids to excel academically, but their happiness and mental well-being are just as important—if not more so. By creating a supportive, fun, and encouraging environment, you’re setting them up for success in and out of the classroom. Just remember: they’re kids, not mini adults. A little play, a little laughter, and a lot of love go a long way.

Over to You

How do you strike the balance between encouraging your child’s academic success and keeping them happy? Do you have any tips or tricks for making learning more fun at home? We’d love to hear your ideas! Let us know in the comments below.