Provide an environment that encourages studying. Every child in the household should have his own place to do homework and study for tests. Even if this place isn't in a bedroom with a fancy desk, set aside a corner somewhere in the house that provides a calm, quiet atmosphere for studying.
Devise a routine that your children can follow. Develop a school-night routine with enough flexibility that it will work. Your children will benefit from knowing when they're expected to start assignments, when to get ready for bed and how long they can read or play before lights out.
Keep the lines between home and school open. Build a solid relationship with your children's teachers. Provide as much information as you can about your children and ask to be notified immediately of any problems they might be having. Volunteer when opportunities arise so that you can get a first-hand look at what goes on in school.
Teach your children how to organize. Don't assume that your child knows how to set up an efficent study area, or how to organize a backpack or locker. Teach your child organizational skills so she'll get better at doing it herself; these skills will be invaluable when it's time for her to leave for college.
Stimulate their brains. Children are, by nature, curious creatures. But as they get older, they tend to keep more to themselves and share less. Draw them out at family meals and discuss their day, things that happened at school, current events and then share important happenings in your life. They will learn how to carry on an intelligent conversation with others.
Celebrate every success. Whether your children are great students, have a lot of trouble or fall in between, it's crucial to show them how proud of them you are for even the tiniest triumph. Even if he brings home a D, as hard as it may be, tell him you're proud of his efforts if he brought home an F before. This fosters motivation and higher self-esteem, and he'll be more likely to try harder next time.
Place limits on electronics. Electronics means everything, including the television, video games and the computer. These devices are largely passive and teach children to be spectators rather than participants in their own lives. Passively sitting and receiving messages is not as good as getting out to experience life.