Helping My Child Study Effectively

Your child will start to develop study habits early-on throughout their schooling which will most likely be carried through to their later stages of schooling. It’s extremely important that they maintain a work-life balance, and that their study patterns and routine work for them.

The below are our top tips that will help you aid your child’s study, and ensure they are studying effectively.

Create a Study-friendly Home

Ensure that your child is surrounded in an environment that encourages utter concentration. An uncluttered study space with good lighting and a comfortable seat is extremely ideal. Try to eliminate distractions like the television during study time.

Write a Study Timetable With Your Child

Assist with planning by sitting down with your child and organising a study timetable with them. Here you must make sure there is variety and flexibility so they are still able to fulfill other obligations. Their study time should be split into 20 to 50-minute blocks with 10-minute breaks in between, taking advantage of when they study better (morning/afternoon/night).

Encourage Your Child to Work Towards Specific Goals

Have them write out SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound) short-term and long-term goals and put these up somewhere prominent to remind themselves of what they are aiming for.

Help Them Retain Information

Sit down with your child and help them revise for any upcoming exams. Offer your time to learn from them, whether this involves them discussing the plot of a novel that they’ve read, or reciting definitions for a Science exam.

Stock Up On Healthy Snacks for the Home

Some brain foods include whole grains, oily fish, blueberries, tomatoes, nuts, seeds and broccoli. A balanced diet and regular eating routines are beneficial for your child.

Make Sure Your Child is Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep is fundamental to memory retention and learning. It is recommended that students get at least 8 hours of sleep each night, so prevent your child from staying up all night, too often.

Tell Your Child to Get Moving!

At least 60 minutes of daily physical activity promotes clarity of thought and the release of endorphins, which will help to improve your child’s moods and reduce stress.

Provide Emotional Support

If your child is stressed about an upcoming exam or disappointed with their result, reassure them that their feelings are normal, and that it’s not the end of the world. If your child has a positive experience, point out how far they have progressed, share their achievements and celebrate their success!