It’s no secret school is a big part of a child’s life. Many kids start school as young as three-years-old and continue on to higher education, studying until their mid-twenties — or longer. That’s over a decade of school!
And these days, a college degree is almost a requirement for getting a good job. That’s why it’s important to ensure your kids adopt healthy study habits now, so they can succeed down the road. In this article, we share six ways parents can help their kids thrive in school:
1. Consider Online Tutoring
Tutoring is an effective way to help kids gain a better understanding of a subject, so they can improve their grades. Not only does tutoring give your child more opportunities to ask questions, but it also provides a more intimate setting for them to learn. While not every child is the same, many learn best when they’re taught one-on-one, rather than in a crowded classroom.
Unfortunately, many parents don’t feel they have the bandwidth to get their kids a tutor. After all, it can take time to find the right tutor. Not to mention, finding the time to drive your child to their tutoring session and back. Thankfully, online tutoring is available and provides the same benefits as an in-person tutoring service. The only difference is it happens 100% online, so your child can learn from the comfort of their home.
If your child is struggling with a subject or you just want to help them get ahead, online tutoring is a great option. It’s beneficial for all ages, and the lessons taught are often interactive and even fun.
2. Communicate With Teachers
As a parent, you want to make sure your kid is doing their homework so learning is easier and their grades are better. The truth is, children aren’t born with good study habits. They have to learn how to study, and you can help teach them. That said, the only way to do that is to make sure you have a good understanding of what they’re doing in school.
It can be difficult to manage your child’s school schedule, especially when you’re busy. But making time to talk to your kid’s teachers, ask questions, and stay up-to-date with what they’re learning can go a long way.
A good hack is to have a family calendar. Not only should the calendar show activities and appointments, but it should also highlight homework due dates, test days, etc. This way, you can easily stay up-to-date with their schoolwork and ensure they’re studying and completing assignments.
3. Have a Schedule
For the most part, children are creatures of habit. They need routine, especially when it comes to their studies. To ensure your kids are successful in school, create a study schedule for them at home.
For instance, you could block their schedule Monday-Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for studying. Is your kid involved in sports and extracurricular activities? If so, the schedule above may not always work, but it’s a good example of that type of time block you could put in place.
In addition to a schedule, create an environment to help your child study. Whether that’s having a desk in their bedroom or creating space on the kitchen table, you have options. But make sure the area is quiet and free of distractions, so they can really focus on their homework.
4. Avoid Cramming
“Cramming” is when you try to load up on information shortly before a quiz or test. And while you’ve probably crammed the night before a big exam, it’s not a study habit you should pass on to your kid. That’s because cramming can have adverse effects.
For one, it’s difficult to retain a lot of information in a short period of time. It’s also stressful. In fact, cramming can cause anxiety and lead to panic attacks. You don’t want that for your child, right?Instead of teaching them to cram, show them how beneficial it is to study every day in the weeks leading up to a test. This process is better for long-term retention and can help your kids feel more prepared for an exam.
5. Reward Your Child
It’s no secret people respond well to positive reinforcement, especially children. In fact, research shows positive reinforcement is essential to supporting children’s growth. And while we’re not saying you should buy your child an expensive toy whenever they study, you should give them some praise.
Say, “Great job!” when your child finishes a homework assignment, or take them out for ice cream when they pass a big test. Make sure your child knows how proud you are of them for trying — even when they get things wrong. Celebrating their wins, no matter how small, encourages them to keep going. They’ll feel a sense of accomplishment for their work, and be excited to move forward.
6. Study With Your Child
A common reason kids avoid studying is that it feels like a chore. And as you probably know, kids don’t like doing chores, especially when they just finished a long school day. All they want to do is play video games and watch TV, not read a boring book or do math. And while you can’t change what they’re learning, you can make it more entertaining.
Make studying fun for your child — or at least as interactive as possible. Rather than having them simply practice their ABCs, make it a game. Challenge them to go through the alphabet by naming an animal that starts with each letter. Or maybe you and your family can play a trivia game with math questions. There are many ways you can make studying fun and feel less like a chore.
Additionally, make studying a group activity. You could read a book next to your child while they work on their homework or catch up on work yourself. Show your kids that studying isn’t a punishment, but rather a task that needs to be completed for them to succeed.
Education is important, but studying can be challenging for kids. Thankfully, the tips above can help your child improve their study habits. From finding an online tutor to making homework a game, integrating the information above can help your child thrive in school today and in the future.
