By T&L Magazine, Jan 2005

Camilla McGill & Melissa Hood who run The Parent Practice give advice on getting children into good study habits.
Children generally don’t want to do homework for a reason; they’d rather be doing something else that’s more fun or they may find the work is difficult for or unchallenging. Imagine how your child is feeling and put it into words so that they feel heard and are less likely to be resistant. Follow the steps below o help your children get into good study habits.

1. Have a set time and place to do homework. Have snacks and some energetic activity beforehand. Screens (TV, playstation etc) should wait until later as they reduce brain activity. Make sure this is a clear rule with a consequence.
2. Make sure the work place is uncluttered and as distraction-free as possible.
3. ‘Worst first’. While energy levels are higher tackle the more difficult subject.
4. Have your child talk through the tasks in detail before they even pick up a pen.. If you feel your child hasn’t understood something ask questions to clarify, so that they are using their own brains rather than you supplying the answers.
5. Let him work independently but be around to praise – for getting on with it and concentrating. When a task is finished praise your child descriptively and specifically for whatever has been done right or is an improvement.
6. You need to notice content and structure as well as presentation and ask questions about the work to show your interest. Praise your child’s answers. “Wow, you really know a lot about how the heart works.”
7. Get the child to make some improvements to their work and correct their own mistakes. A child will be more willing to make improvements if they have had a lot of praise first. Let them know that everyone can and needs to improve all the time.

Remember study can be incorporated into everyday life. When you read to your child at bedtime ask them comprehension and vocabulary questions about the story. Practice mental arithmetic when out shopping or cooking together. Talk about the things they’re learning so they can see you are interested – it will encourage their interest.

Contact The ParentPractice - parenting advice on getting children into good study habits.

<< BACK TO MEDIA