The Role of Parents in Fostering Self-Regulated Learners
How can I help my child become more independent and less overwhelmed?
Most parents want their child to succeed—not just in school, but in life. But when homework turns into frustration, motivation disappears, or anxiety shows up before tests, it’s easy to wonder: How do I help without doing it for them?
The answer lies in self-regulated learning—and parents play a powerful role in building it.
What does it mean to be a self-regulated learner?
A self-regulated learner is someone who can:
Set meaningful goals
Choose helpful strategies
Reflect on what works
Adjust and reengage after setbacks
These are the skills that help students thrive in high school, college, and beyond. And while educators teach content, parents are uniquely positioned to support the process of learning.
5 ways parents can support self-regulation at home
1. Ask process-focused questions
Instead of “Did you finish your homework?” try:
“How did you decide where to start?”
“What was your plan going into it?”
2. Talk through strategy use
After a task, ask:
“What helped you today?”
“What might work better next time?”
These conversations make thinking visible—which helps students grow.
3. Model your own regulation
Say things like:
“I need to pause and rethink how I’m organizing this.”
“I’m setting a timer so I don’t get distracted.”
Let them see that adults need strategies too.
4. Build in reflection time
After a test, project, or rough week, create space to ask:
“What did you learn about yourself?”
“What’s something you’re proud of?”
5. Focus on effort and strategy, not perfection
Confidence grows when kids feel like their choices make a difference—not just their outcomes.
“Parents can promote self-regulated learning by creating environments that support autonomy, strategy use, and thoughtful reflection.”
Reflect: Are you coaching your child—or rescuing them?
Ask yourself:
Am I doing the thinking for my child?
Are we talking about strategies, or just grades and completion?
What would it look like to give more support in planning and less in product?
When parents step into a coaching mindset, learners begin to take ownership.
Coaching for parents, support for students
At Link-Wise Learning, we offer Parent Coaching that helps you better understand your child’s learning code—and use tools that promote independence, not just completion. When paired with Student Coaching, the transformation becomes even stronger.
Stay curious. Stay reflective. Stay engaged.
