Learning to study is an evolutionary process that continually needs adjustment. The holidays provide a nice break from school, but vacation can also make it difficult for students to get back on track. The start of a new semester is, however, an excellent time to have a conversation with your son or daughter about their work ethic and academic expectations.
Improved study habits start with setting proper goals. Ask your children what they might want to change as they start the new year. Though certainly meeting academic requirements is important, make sure to develop goals that are fulfilling for the child, not based on what you want as a parent.
[Read: Does Your Child Need Extra Help With Schoolwork?]
Developing realistic goals can be difficult, however, as many teens tend to overreach or construct vague objectives. Parents should assist their students by discussing how realistic and measurable their plans are. For example, if your child says he or she is going to make all A’s this semester, that might be unreasonable if your son or daughter doesn’t typically earn A’s. Instead, redirect your student to focus on an attainable strategy, like having meetings with his or her English teacher to get writing tips before a paper is due.
Another way to ensure that your child experiences success is to assist him or her with balancing academics, extracurricular activities and free time. Many kids feel rejuvenated after the holiday break, and they want to do it all as the new semester begins. This often creates unneeded stress as the student struggles with meeting classroom demands and after-school requirements. Others, unfortunately, stay in vacation mode and prefer to disengage when they are overwhelmed.
No matter your student’s mood, parents should establish realistic grade expectations and encourage children to participate in at least one extracurricular. Having upfront conversations regarding how to manage homework, school activities and social engagements will alleviate future arguments about school involvements and help your child create a realistic schedule.
[Read: The ‘Yes-Brain’ Approach to Parenting and Life.]
Unfortunately, even the most motivated student often struggles to understand that the school day starts when the morning alarm clock rings and ends when his or her head hits the pillow. All kids benefit from efficient mornings that allow time for a healthy breakfast and an early school arrival. Stress-free mornings create a ready-to-learn brain.
How the day ends is also important. Thinking about after-school studying allows students to maximize their potential. Some prefer to complete homework before relaxing, while others want an after-school break. Have your son or daughter commit to the process that works best for them, and build evenings around that schedule. Consistency ensures that homework gets completed and that life responsibilities are successfully met.
Last, revisit family routines as the new semester and new year get underway. Commit to having a couple of family dinners each week. Also, pledge to spend quality one-on-one time with each child. A short stop at the local coffee shop on the way to school can be a powerful relationship-building tool. While they may not tell you this, your children do appreciate time with Mom and Dad, so be sure to provide these opportunities.
[See: 10 Concerns Parents Have About Their Kids’ Health.]
No matter your child’s age, create a supportive home environment that focuses on realistic expectations. With younger children, provide specific strategies to help them meet their goals. With teenagers, engage in a conversation that promotes positive progress. Learning how to work hard and achieve success, at any age, is more important than earning an A in math.
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How Parents Can Help Kids Refresh Their Study Habits originally appeared on usnews.com
