Helpful Tips For Parents to Improve their Children’s Study Habits

25. March 2010 by admin.

I would have wanted to give out survey questionnaires to the kids at school about their study habits but I decided to  put it off .   I  found out that there are various studies and researches already conducted on the subject with both parents and students as respondents using random sampling.  The result of said research suggested various ways and means on how parents handle and manage the learning habits of their children.     What I did was to compile  and select the more doable  and feasible strategies especially for working mothers who have very limited time or who have to divide their responsibilities in the work place and their time as a  mom and wife at home. 

I recall  when I was a child,  our parents were more or less lucky to have us because  they have not  encountered maybe the pressures  of the parents of today especially the mothers who easily get frustrated and stressed out whenever their children fail in class.  I would say most of my siblings were studious despite the lack of the comforts in life.  I would not consider myself as a straight “A” student, but  modesty  aside, I belong to the top 10 in the class which was maintained up to my college days.     This can be attributed    to my willingness and dedication to study hard  so as to achieve what I wanted  to be when I grow up.  

Similarly,  I am also amazed at the students in the rural and remote areas wherein they are obliged to wake up very early in the morning, still groggy and in a hurry  in order to reach their school on time.    I remember this one true story wherein a young boy had to cross a river and a plateau using a stick as his companion, patiently carrying his old worn school bag  and wearing just a rubber slipper (Yes, no shoes man!) just to earn the so-called education in school.   Living in an area with scarce or no electricity at all,    the little boy had to rely on the gas lamp while doing his homework and lessons at home.   And mind you this little boy turned out to be the top student in his class!  What an irony of ironies!   

The above story is just one of the true stories happening in all corners of the globe especially in countries  struggling in their economy, where education system is not as advanced  and student-friendly as those in developed countries like that in the US, so to speak.  I am giving these as examples so as to remind the parents and to impart to their children the value and importance of education in their lives whatever it takes.    And to show to the kids of today especially those in the urbanized areas that they are more fortunate to have the necessities in life, e.g. computers to enhance  their learning skills, books they needed as far as research activities is concerned, and all the possible high tech gadgets (calculators, etc.) that are available today to aid them  in doing their lessons.       

Thus,  the helpful tips that I will be sharing with you is based on the assumption that the child is a regular student  and that the parents can provide all the things he needs for his studies.

It has been proven that those successful students turned out to have better study habits at a young age.   Involvement  of the parents is essential, i.e., it is the duty of the parents to instill the love and relevance of education to their children from the time  they start learning their ABC’s.   

Be that as it may, below are suggested effective tips on how to improve your child’s study habits which may lead to greater success in school:

1.    Understand and manage their priorities

Parents should clarify to their  children  that their primary duty as students is to study their lessons and do their school  assignments and that it shoud be pointed out to them that it is an integral part of their lives. This forms part of disciplining your children but at the same not forcing them to do something which may appear like as if their lives are so scheduled or can be switched on and off like a robot.   Explain to them that they can actually play after their lessons are done and that if they will only cooperate, studying their lessons may even take lesser time than  play time. There are instances that when children come home from school, they feel tired and hungry. They either tend to lie down and rest, or they go straight to the fridge and grab snacks and watch tv or play their favorite video game or game console and the like.  Giving that space and a break of probably 30-45 minutes may be appropriate.  But after that, parents should exercise their power and authority to instruct their children to do their homework.

2.     Formulate a study plan/specific goals for their study time

It is appropriate to set a specific time for each day or for a week for study time.  Studying at the same time each day establishes a routine for studying just like sleeping, playing and eating. At first, it may be difficult to sticking to the plan but most of the times daily routines works at the end of the day.  It will psychologically and mentally prepare them to undertake this chore, and as such may pave the way for their good daily study habit until they reach the higher years. Likewise, it should be made clear to them what they want to  accomplish for the day and to   focus on it, otherwise just sitting down idly will only defeat the purpose.  

3.    Provide a study corner

Make sure that the children has a clean, quiet, comfortable, well-lit place to study and that  it  is free  from or with minimal distractions.  There are parents who would tolerate their children and allow them to study in front of a tv set while the rest of the members of the family are watching. This is a no-no.  Computers should be turned off  while studying the lessons so as they wont  be tempted to surf the internet. Listening to soft music may be of help to some students but it can be distraction to others. 

4.    Organize study materials

Parents should see to it that children maintain an organized notes and materials.  This is to ensure that everything is in  place and that the necessary information are readily available.   It should be noted that  these notes  help in completing  their assignments.    School supplies such as clips, highlighters, pens and papers may be needed and should be accessible.

5.    Implement the study plan

Once the learning environment is set up,  allow the children to study and do their assignments on their  own.  At this stage, reviewing  their notes will help in doing their assignments correctly. If deemed necessary,  you may help your kids to do their assignment but the rule of thumb is don’t do it for them.    When you help your kids, be very patient and don’t be frustrated when they can’t understand easily.  Don’t show it to them that you’re tired even if you are, instead make it fun and interesting.  As much as possible, parents should encourage their children to do the most difficult assignments and lessons  first as they require more mental energy and thereafter they could tackle the easier ones.  Sure, there are children who don’t need guidance, but there are some who at times face difficulty in doing their assignments, in which case,  they may be allowed to call their classmates or their teachers for help, if necessary.  Remember the saying “Two heads may be  better than one”. 

6.     Tell siblings and friends not to disturb or call the child while he is studying.

This is self-explanatory.   Reminder: As much as possible turn off cell phones and don’t entertain phone calls during study time to avoid distractions.

7.    Supervise, monitor and keep track of assignments.

Be knowledgeable about the child’s progress. It is suggested that parents should check once in a while their children’s notebooks and talk to their teachers about their school’s performance. iIt is also a good idea to review the assignments and  this  can be done during weekends after going to Sunday church and after having fun and relaxation, in preparation for the first school day of the week.

8.    Offer incentives/rewards

Offering rewards or taking away privileges, whichever is the case,  may be done either to encourage or motivate them or to recognize and praise them for their accomplishments, for their good grades and efforts.

9.    Have enough sleep and nutrition

Nutrition and sleep are very basic aspects in our lives especially to children.  They should get enough sleep everyday and they should take well balanced diet to feed their stomach and the brain as well!  As they say, the key success is a well-fed tummy!

10. Ask Divine Intervention

Teaching your children to pray before and after studying is the best thing you can do for your children.   Tell them  that even in studying,  they can talk to God and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit for enlightenment or they can even ask their guardian angels to help them do their assignments.  Have you tried it before?  It really helps! 

Implementing  these study habits for your children will make him go a long way! Come on,  try these tips and I am sure  you parents and working Moms out there will surely reap great rewards because of  your efforts, patience, dedication and love to your children. Truly,  knowledge is power.  Kudos to all!   

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