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by Cyrus Dehkan

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Even though your child spends a good portion of their day in school, the work they do at home is important. Obviously, the more efficient they are at doing their homework, the more successful they'll become in school. The following piece describes some of the suggestions that I used myself when it came to study time with my children.

Children in general are creatures of habit. So it's very important that they have some routine. As soon as they come home they should have some time to relax and settle down. I find a half hour break to be sufficient. The down time allows them to relax and possibly have a snack. Regardless of whether you do this or have them start their homework immediately, the key is to have a routine and that you stick to it.

Also allow your children to take a break if they are studying or if they spend a fair amount of time with their homework. The break can be for whatever time you feel is appropriate. Just make sure it doesn't involve an activity that will absorb your child's attention away. Usually a 5 to 10 minute break involving stretches, getting a beverage, etc. is appropriate. Use a timer to train them. When the timer goes off make sure they go back to their studies without giving you a hard time.

A child needs a space to study in, so designate one for them. Make sure that it is well lighted and has everything they need to succeed with their work. This should include a dictionary, calculator, papers, pencils and other tools that they may need. Do not include a television, stereo or other distracting element in that area.
You will need to make sure, that if such a distraction is in an adjacent room or nearby, to turn it off. Children its been shown can do some tasks with distraction, but in the long run won't retain what they were supposed to learn. To aid them in their studies, I found that writing, whether it be on flash cards or on paper, reinforces their knowledge and aids them in memory retention.

Teach the child a feeling of responsibility when it comes to their homework. They need to know the consequences of handing in no or late and incorrect homework, will usually result in a poor grade. Just as you have a job, make them aware that theirs is to do well in school. Teach them to make lists. It will make remembering assignments and other important projects easier.

Getting children to study is a difficult task. Be sure that you as the parent gets involved with knowing what your child is learning, helping them if they need it.
This doesn't mean you have to sit next to them when they do their homework. You just need to check once in a while to make sure that they are focused and doing what they're supposed to be doing. Make sure they know that learning is important and ongoing. By developing good study habits at a young age, they'll be more successful once they reach adulthood.

Learn more about this author, Cyrus Dehkan.

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