So, you’ve made your way through part 1 of our home study suggestions and hopefully you came across a few useful strategies that you think will help your child. But we’re not done just yet! We have a whole lot more to offer that will help you make studying at home as easy as possible for your child.

So now, let’s bring on part 2 and explore how else you, as a parent, can help your child study efficiently at home, and get the most out of their homework!

How can I help my child’s study skills at home?

Create a homework-friendly environment. If possible, it will really help your child if you can set up a study space that’s quiet, calm, and stocked with everything they could possibly need in terms of supplies (paper, pencils, scissors, glue). They may also like to have some relaxing music playing as they work away.

Reduce distractions. Make sure they aren’t working with the TV on or with a tablet or smartphone nearby, and keep noise to a minimum. If they have any older or younger siblings who enjoy distracting them, try to keep them entertained elsewhere.

Be a motivator as well as a monitor. While you should check your child’s homework, test them for quizzes, and make sure they’re doing what’s expected of them, remember that you should also take steps to motivate them. Schoolwork is often hard and rarely as fun as running around outside, so inspire them with special treats and praise them if you need to.

Lead by example. Studies show that children follow the examples their parents give rather than their verbal advice, so let your child see you reading or working away at your desk every now and again.

Make sure they do their homework on their own. While you can certainly be there to direct your child and make suggestions, it’s important to understand that it’s your child who must do the work, not you. If you don’t give them the opportunity to think for themselves and make mistakes, they’ll have a much harder time learning.

Create study checklists. To make a study checklist, get hold of a whiteboard and marker or a chalkboard, and write out what needs to be done (homework-wise) once your child gets home. A checklist that breaks down your child’s study routine helps to make homework less intimidating and offers satisfaction as they gradually tick off everything that needs doing each day.

Encourage your child to keep a worry pad. Worry pads will prove a fantastic tool for kids who struggle to focus and often find their thoughts straying. Let them know that if a thought pops into their head, they need only write it down, and then they can address it later with your help if need be.

Speak to their teachers. Attend parent-teacher evenings and get to know your child’s teachers. Ask questions about their homework and how you can be involved and if there’s anything they might need some extra help with. Their teachers will be able to shed a lot of light on your child’s development.

How to help your child's study skills at home (Part 2)

Studying is fun with Unii’s tips.