The economic demands on families today are making it increasingly difficult for children to have the freedom of childhood. Today, not just one parent has to be the breadwinner; both have to pitch in. This scenario forces parents to be less involved in their children's academic development as, more often than not, they're shipped off to formal schools at very young ages with little or no further involvement in their academic progress beyond paying their school and lesson fees.
Helping your child study more effectively can make a significant difference in their academic success. Here are five strategies you can use:
1. Create a Structured Routine: Establish a consistent study schedule that fits your child's natural rhythm. This helps them develop a habit of studying at the same time each day, reducing procrastination and making studying a part of their daily routine.
2. Designate a Study Space: Ensure your child has a quiet, well-lit, and organized space dedicated to studying. This minimizes distractions and helps them focus better. Make sure the space is free from unnecessary gadgets and noise.
3. Encourage Active Learning: Help your child engage with the material through active learning techniques like summarizing information, teaching concepts back to you, using flashcards, or creating mind maps. These strategies promote better retention and understanding.
4. Set Goals and Break Tasks Down: Help your child set specific, achievable goals for each study session. Breaking tasks down into smaller, manageable chunks makes studying less overwhelming and more focused. Celebrate small victories to keep motivation high.
5. Stay Involved and Offer Support: Show interest in what your child is studying. Ask questions, help them review materials, and provide encouragement. Your involvement shows that you value their education and are there to support them, which can boost their confidence and commitment to studying.
Statistics show that children whose parents show genuine interests, or are actively involved in their academic pursuits do far better than those whose parents show little or no involvement at all.
Agreed that most parents' tight schedules makes it quite difficult to get sufficiently involved; still, knowing that your involvement could make all the difference in their academic achievement should motivate us to find ways we can truly be there for them. This is why this article should prove a helpful guide in achieving that.

Eguaogie Eghosa