by Leeanna Haugen

Created on: March 26, 2009

Your child comes home with their report card and there it is a big fat F. There is no doubt in your mind that your child is intelligent. Why, you often catch yourself thinking about how bright they are. How could this happen. The answer you are looking for has nothing to do with your child's IQ. It is just a matter of their less than perfect study habit. Here are some tips on helping your child be more prepared for there schoolwork.

1. Time Management. Have your child devote a specific time each day to studying. Help them prioritize projects. Most importantly make this time available by not overbooking. Don't plan dinner reservations at the same time your child studies. You want your child to value their education so you must also value their education.

2. Study skills. Every child learns different. You know your child the best, so it is up to you to brainstorm the most effective things your child can do to get the most out of what they are studying. If they learn visual, help them make flashcards. If they do better with audio stimulation, have them read material into a recorder and listen to it. Some children have to actually write down key points to retain them in their memory.

3. Nutrition and sleep. Nobody functions at there optimum level on an empty stomach. Bedtimes and balanced meals go a long way to preparing your child's mind for learning.

4. Distractions. Keep siblings away from your child why they are studying. Have your child study in a room that they normally do not use. Your bedroom or an office are good places that would be free of distractions that would tempt your young child.

5. Supervise. Until you are confident your child can accept responsibility for their own study habits let them know you are their to enforce guidelines. Be there if they need help or have a question. Stopping in every once in a while and asking if they need any help goes a long way. Also, keep track of assignments your child has. If they need supplies, make sure these are available when your child needs them.

Your child will find themselves falling back on their skills throughout various times in their life. From college essays to sitting down with tax papers, it is vital to have the skills to get the most out of the information you need to know. When we are looking over our insurance papers do we do so on the way to work at stop lights? No, we go in the office and look at them when the kids are asleep so we can concentrate. The same goes for children. They just don't realize they need this information. That's our job.

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