While teachers provide instruction, parents play a role in creating the right environment and student’s mindset for online learning.
That’s why we decided to give parents some tips on how to conduct themselves during online classes to make their child’s learning experience as best as possible.
Tips for Parents
Here are some tips that will make your job as a parent more helpful to your child’s education.
Set Up a Dedicated Learning Space
The first step in supporting your child’s online education is creating a calm, organized, and distraction-free study environment.
When in an online class a tutor must have the attention of your child.
It is also important that your child feels safe from any judgment. That means that, ideally, your child will be alone in a room.
That means no siblings, TV, and preferably any noise in the background.
If a child is too young, let’s say six to ten years old, it is okay for an adult to monitor class.
However, make sure it’s from a reasonable distance. If there are any issues, technical or other, feel free to step in and help.
To sum up, make sure:
- The learning area is quiet and away from household noise;
- The student has access to a good internet connection and necessary school supplies;
- Devices like phones, TVs, or toys are out of sight to minimize distractions;
- Younger children may need supervision nearby at first, but the goal is to help them become independent over time.
Establish a Routine and Stick to It
One of the greatest benefits of online education is flexibility, but children still need structure.
Flexibility and the self-paced method of education requires discipline and responsibility which need to be learned from a young age, and that is where parents come in.
Help them create a daily routine that includes:
- Consistent class times and regular breaks;
- Dedicated time for assignments and independent study.
- Time for physical activity and rest.
This balance helps children maintain focus and reduces the stress of unpredictability.
Support, Don’t Teach
Parents are often tempted to step in when a child struggles during a lesson, but that’s not your role.
While your child is in class, ideally there won’t be any need for you to talk to a tutor.
Again, if your child is still quite young, it’s understandable to make sure in the beginning everything works fine.
In the first couple of classes, make sure you are close by. In that way, you can observe and step in when needed.
If all goes to plan, after a while you won’t be needed. Once a tutor and a child establish the pace and mutual respect, it should be a smooth sail.
What you shouldn’t do, is take classes instead of your child.
Often parents, with good intent, sit beside a child and get carried away. When a parent tries to lead a child to a correct answer, they end up answering a question themselves.
In that way, lessons become less effective, which is a loss for both the child and the tutor. Make sure your child behaves appropriately during classes, but don’t attend or participate in their place.
Your job is to:
- Encourage your child when they feel stuck.
- Remind them to ask questions and communicate with the tutor.
- Avoid answering questions for them during class.
Let the tutor lead the learning so that your child builds academic confidence and critical thinking skills.
Monitor Progress Regularly
Even though you’re not the teacher, it’s important to stay informed about your child’s academic journey.
Most online learning platforms provide dashboards where you can:
- Track attendance and assignment completion;
- View grades and quiz performance;
- Receive tutor feedback.
Check progress at least once per month or at the end of each semester.
If you notice consistent issues, reach out to the school for a meeting or consultation.
Communicate with Teachers and the School
Open communication with the school is key to resolving concerns and providing feedback.
Most virtual schools are happy to:
- Arrange meetings with tutors or academic consultants;
- Adjust the curriculum or format based on parent suggestions (e.g., adding group classes);
- Offer reports, updates, or resources when needed.
Don’t hesitate to reach out, the school is your partner and it is its duty to answer all of your questions and concerns.
Be Mindful of Emotional Support
In an online environment, due to the lack of peer-to-peer interactions in the real world, students may feel isolated.
It goes without saying that yelling and scolding shouldn’t be a part of an online class.
If your child doesn’t behave correctly at some point during class, talk about it. Talk calmly in a pedagogical manner, but make sure it happens after class. In that way, a child won’t waste time during lectures.
Furthermore, a child won’t feel embarrassed in front of a tutor.
Besides, if you talk in private rather than in the middle of the class, there would be less distractions and there is a higher chance your child will listen to you.
You can help by:
- Talking positively about school and their learning experience: Even if your child is struggling or has problems with discipline, it is the time they need help and support the most. It is important to be encouraging while still keeping the discipline in check;
- Encouraging social interaction through extracurriculars or group classes, as well as online school clubs;
- Avoiding emotional conflicts immediately before or after class: Children need a clear mind and a good mood before the live classes and while studying. Whatever your child did, the discussion about that can wait. When the class is about to start, do not let them get distracted.
Your tone and attitude help shape your child’s mindset—approach each day with encouragement and patience.
Reward Progress, But Don’t Overdo It
Celebrate your child’s achievements, whether big or small. It is always desirable to encourage your child when they do something nice.
However, don’t make that habit too often. If you do that for every minor milestone you will achieve the opposite. But providing small presents now and then is a healthy way to go.
That doesn’t have to be a material reward. A shorter pep talk or praise will do the job just as well.
If the tutor of your child is content with the progress they made, or they got high grades, make sure to acknowledge that and find a way to reward it.
Reasons can be improved grades, active participation, or even sticking to their schedule:
- Offer praise, small rewards, or privileges;
- Focus on effort and consistency, not just outcomes;
- Avoid excessive rewards, which may reduce motivation over time.
Utilize the Benefits of Online Learning
Many parents are drawn to online education because it:
- Offers flexible, self-paced learning tailored to each child’s strengths and needs;
- Eliminates commute time and school absences due to illness or travel;
- Provides transparency – parents can log in anytime to view progress;
- Creates a safer and more comfortable learning environment, especially for children who struggle in traditional classrooms.
Online schooling allows a more personalized learning approach. Each student creates an individual learning plan and learns at their own tempo.
In other words, our program and methodology are absolutely adjustable to each child’s individual needs. Our teachers are trying to get to know students and to adjust their teaching according to every student individually.
You know your child the best, their wishes, desires, learning habits, affinities.
Share your insight with teachers and consultants before enrolling. That will vastly help us create a plan to enable your child to take the maximum out of our online school.
Do they need a bit more help with math, or maybe they struggle with English? Is your child a visual learner? Maybe they are better off learning alone and not in a group.
Any information that you share will help us to adapt our learning approach to your child.
What to Avoid as a Parent in Online Education
Here are some things you should avoid as a parent:
- Don’t speak during class or answer questions on behalf of your child;
- Don’t interrupt lessons with discipline—wait until class is over;
- Don’t treat the tutor as the enemy or the best friend. Maintain a respectful, professional relationship;
- Don’t micromanage every aspect of their day. Allow independence to grow.
💬 Final Thoughts
Online learning works best when parents strike a balance between support and independence. Your involvement influences the academic success of your child by maintaining a routine, encouraging responsibility, and maintaining open communication with the school.
