How to Improve Essay Writing Without Boring Your Child to Tears

Let’s be honest—most kids don’t get excited about writing essays. For many middle and high school students, essay writing feels boring, stressful, or just plain confusing. And for parents trying to help, it often turns into a battle of wills.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Essay writing is a skill—one that can be taught with patience, creativity, and real-world relevance. When students understand the purpose of what they’re writing and are given tools to succeed, they start to see writing not as a chore, but as a way to express and persuade. Here’s how to teach essay writing without boring your child to tears—and how Myls Tutoring can help.

1. Start with Purpose, Not Structure

Instead of jumping into five-paragraph formats, start with why we write essays at all: to share ideas, argue a point, or explain something clearly. Show your child examples from the real world—like opinion pieces, product reviews, or even social media debates—and discuss what makes some arguments more persuasive than others.

When students understand the purpose behind writing, they’re more motivated to put in the work.

2. Make it Personal and Relevant

Let your child write about something they care about. Whether it’s the pros and cons of school uniforms or ranking the best Marvel movies, personal interest boosts effort and creativity.

Once they’re engaged, you can introduce structure—thesis, evidence, counterarguments—while keeping the topic enjoyable.

3. Break Down the Process

Many students get overwhelmed by the blank page. Help by breaking the process into manageable steps:

• Brainstorm ideas
• Create an outline
• Draft one paragraph at a time
• Revise with feedback

This approach teaches that writing is iterative, not something that has to be perfect on the first try.

4. Use Models and Mentor Texts

Show examples of strong student writing or simple persuasive essays. Analyze what makes the introduction hook the reader, how transitions work, and how conclusions leave a lasting impression.

Research shows that modeling is a powerful tool in writing instruction (Graham & Perin, 2007).

5. Focus on One Skill at a Time

Rather than correcting every grammar mistake, focus each session on one goal—such as writing a strong thesis, improving transitions, or using evidence effectively.

Targeted feedback helps students grow without feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.

6. Make Editing Collaborative

Instead of simply marking up mistakes, edit side-by-side. Ask questions like:

• “What do you want this sentence to say?”
• “Can you explain this idea in a different way?”
• “What would make this argument stronger?”

When students take ownership of revisions, their confidence grows.

7. Add Variety to Writing Practice

Mix it up! In addition to formal essays, try creative prompts, debates, or timed writing games. For example, give your child five minutes to argue why their favorite cereal is the best and structure it like a mini-essay.

These fun exercises build essential skills without the pressure of perfection.

How Myls Tutoring Supports Stronger Writing Skills

At Myls Tutoring, we understand that writing can be hard—but with the right support, every student can improve and even enjoy the process.

✅ Writing With Purpose: Myls online tutors teach students how to write clearly, persuasively, and with confidence by connecting structure to meaning.

✅ Step-by-Step Online Coaching: We guide students through the writing process, offering real-time support on thesis development, organization, and analysis.

✅ Targeted Feedback: Students receive detailed, constructive feedback from expert tutors that improves clarity and strengthens their voice.

✅ Engaging Topics: Myls online tutoring platform helps students explore topics that matter to them while building transferable skills for school essays and beyond.

✍️ Want your child to write better essays—without the drama?

🎯 Book a trial lesson at Myls Tutoring today and help your child become a confident, capable writer.