One Thing To Focus On Before School Starts

Why mindset matters more than supplies — and how to help your child start strong

By July, the back-to-school commercials have started. Stores are stocked with colorful notebooks, pencil cases and backpacks. But before you dive into supply lists and calendar reminders, here’s one powerful parenting tip Kumon encourages families to focus on:

Help your child build a confident mindset.

A confident mindset doesn’t come from having the perfect planner or checking off every box on a back-to-school checklist. It comes from preparation that is consistent, meaningful and centered on growth —not perfection.

Here’s how you can help shape that mindset this summer:

1. Praise Effort, Not Just Outcomes

When your child finishes a book or works through a challenging math problem, focus on the effort they put in, not just the result. Instead of “You’re so smart,” try: “I noticed how you stuck with that even when it was tricky. That’s going to help you a lot when school starts.”

This reinforces grit and perseverance, skills that pay off all year long.

2. Let Them Experience Productive Struggle

Summer can be the best time for students to build confidence as self-learners. In Kumon, students advance through material they learn to tackle on their own, often ahead of grade level. If your child hesitates or makes mistakes, resist jumping in too quickly. Instead, guide them to find the answer themselves using the guides and hints on the worksheets.

The ability to figure things out is far more powerful than simply being taught.

3. Create One Small, Daily Success Habit

Big transitions — like starting a new grade — can feel overwhelming. One way to ease anxiety is to create a simple habit now that reinforces routine and discipline. Whether it’s 10 minutes of reading, a daily set of Kumon worksheets or even journaling about their goals, that one habit helps your child feel in control and prepared.

4. Talk About Goals, Not Grades

Before school starts, have a low-pressure conversation about what your child wants to grow in this year. It could be something academic, like “get better at writing,” or personal, like “make a new friend.”

Goals that come from within — and aren’t only about grades — build intrinsic motivation and a love of learning.

Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean back to stress.
By helping your child feel prepared, capable and confident, you’re setting the tone for a successful year — not only in school, but in life.

Kumon is here to support you every step of the way with daily practice, goal setting and a personalized learning plan that grows with your child.