To split up study time effectively, plot every test, task and assignment on a monthly schedule, prioritise each week by due dates and workload, and divide studying into timed work blocks. Use a clutter-free study space, keep the phone out of reach, reward completed blocks with short breaks, sleep 8 hours a night and avoid last-minute cramming.
Showing interest in a child’s education builds a positive attitude towards school and healthy self-esteem. Ask specific questions about their day, help with homework, avoid criticising teachers in front of them and talk about school safety, including bullying. Stay involved without overdoing it, by respecting older children’s independence and not doing their schoolwork for them.
Parents can manage unrealistic expectations by talking with their child about their dreams, favourite subjects and strengths, and treating expectations as flexible guidelines that evolve as the child grows. Motivate rather than criticise after poor results, explain mistakes calmly instead of reacting in anger, avoid comparisons with siblings and offer support in difficult subjects.
Children learn in different ways, and the four basic learning styles are visual, auditory, reading and writing, and kinaesthetic. Parents can identify their child’s learning style by observing how the child reads, expresses themselves and solves problems, then adapt study methods to suit, such as diagrams for visual learners or hands-on activities with breaks for kinaesthetic learners.
To encourage an apathetic child, praise effort rather than marks, treat mistakes as learning opportunities and give them real choices. Set manageable short and long-term goals, teach time management and agree on a written commitment plan with goals, study times and celebrations. Apathy can stem from fear of failure, low self-esteem, learning problems or too little challenge.
Teaching children mindfulness helps them notice their thoughts, feelings and body sensations in the present moment, which research links to better emotion regulation and decision-making. Parents can practise it with children by naming what they notice, counting breaths together and taking mindful walks, building 5 to 10 minutes into daily routines such as car rides or bedtime.
