10 things parents need to remember to help their children learn better

1. Don't do your child's homework.

Parents should not consider their children’s homework as their responsibility. It is easier to develop study habits at age 7 than at age 12. The role of parents should be limited to guidance and support. If the homework is too difficult, parents can suggest solutions, but do not do it from start to finish.

If you check your child’s workbook and find that they have made a mistake, let them correct it themselves, rather than pointing out the correct answer right away. Over time, reviewing homework can become a lot quicker, meaning you just need to see if they have completed all the assigned work. They may make mistakes, but the important thing is that you are building a sense of responsibility in them. The grades will also be more substantial.

2. Teach children how to learn

At first, children will be confused about homework and will not know where to start. Parents should show children the steps to complete a specific assignment and explain the consequences of not following the instructions. You can also write the necessary steps on a sticky note and stick it on the desk so that children can remember it easily.

At the same time, help your child understand that homework should not be left unfinished but should be completed to the end. Using reference materials and encyclopedias to find information is better than surfing the Internet because your child will not be distracted by unnecessary things.

3. Create a suitable study space

The space where children do their homework has a big impact on their efficiency. This area should be well-lit, equipped with the necessary learning tools and free of any distractions.

If your child has a younger brother or sister, make sure they don't bother him or her while he or she is doing his or her homework.

4. Teach children about time

Children often have no concept of time. They do not know how much time has passed and how much time is left to do something. First, try to estimate the time by doing familiar things like watching cartoons, eating dinner, cleaning the room, so that your child can visualize. For example, doing homework will take the same amount of time as taking the dog for a walk.

Then, set an alarm when your child starts doing homework. This helps your child study more seriously and not procrastinate.

The more time children spend on homework, the less effective it is. The optimal time for high school students is no more than two hours, and for elementary students, no more than 30 minutes. After this time, it is very difficult for children to maintain concentration.

5. Teach children to set priorities

Parents should guide their children to outline important things, not only in studying but also in life. For example, when doing homework, children should pay attention to the following:

- How many easy and difficult lessons are there?

- Which exercises take more time and which exercises take less time.

- Which exercises can be done by yourself and which exercises need help.

This way, children will be able to tackle easy problems quickly, know which ones to look up more information about, and save which ones to ask their parents about last. This habit also helps children manage their time better during tests.

6. Create motivation

Parents should not underestimate their children's achievements in studying, praise and reward their efforts.

If you have elementary school-aged children, you can write down tasks on a piece of paper (make the bed, do homework, take out the trash) and the day of the week that the task corresponds to. Add a plus sign next to each completed task. The total number of plus signs at the end of the week can be converted into a movie or roller skating trip.

Or you can use this motivational technique: "If you finish your homework, we'll go for a walk, get ice cream, or watch a movie together."

Parents should also show their children the benefits of applying what they have learned to real life. For example, if your child knows how to count and add and subtract, he or she can calculate change when going to the market with his or her mother. If he or she has mastered multiplication, he or she can calculate how many lollipops $2 can buy.

7. Teach children to speak up and ask questions when needed

Many children feel shy or simply don’t know how to ask questions in class. The transition from kindergarten to elementary school can be even more confusing. Parents should teach children to express their own thoughts, talk to teachers, and not be afraid to ask questions, even asking them over and over again to gain a deeper understanding.

8. Help your child get close to classmates

Relationships with classmates are very important for every child, affecting their confidence and academic performance. Nowadays, children are often picked up by their parents right after school, so it is harder to make friends than in the past. Parents should pay attention to this issue and create opportunities for their children to get to know their classmates.

9. Prioritize the relationship between parents and daughters

Don't focus too much on your child's academic performance, which will only stress them out. That's not the most important thing. Instead, pay attention to your child's daily life, from their interests, feelings to friends. Controlling is not the way to develop a relationship. Listen to your child, share commonalities and create happy memories together.

10. Grades do not determine whether a child will be successful or not.

When parents worry about their children's grades, they are actually worrying about their children's future, even though grades only show whether or not the child has learned what is taught. A bad grade does not mean that the child is stupid, lazy, or irresponsible. It just means that for some reason the child does not want to learn or that the curriculum is too complicated and not suitable for the child.

If your child doesn't get a good grade, don't be disappointed. More C-students go on to be more successful than A-students. So if you see your child isn't doing well in a subject, help him or her change his or her approach or explore other interests and focus on nurturing them.