4 Habits to Teach Your Kids to Become a Better Student

May 26, 2017

Nowadays, more and more kids are being engaged to technology as early as 1 or 2 years of age, which makes using electronic gadgets not just their habit, but a part of their daily routine. This makes them rely on it way too much that it limits their creativity and imagination as well as necessary challenges that their mind needs as they grow up.

Although most parents only think of their child being “cultured” with the current trend or use it as a source of learning and entertainment, there are many health and social reasons to limit your child’s exposure to all things tech related.

This back-to-school season, limit your child’s exposure to gadgets and teach your kids some of the useful habits to maintain their physical and emotional health as well as their social skills at its best which will make them better students. Here are four of the most important ones:

The habit of having one study area

Developing the habit of having one study area at an early age sets and focuses the kids’ minds when they are in that specific place. Make sure you are consistent, don’t allow them to study or do their homework at any other place in your house. No matter how easy or hard the homework is, it still helps a lot in conditioning the mind of your kid.

Start by: choosing a space in the house where his study table and chair can fit. It would also help if all his school stuff is there as well. It doesn’t have to be one whole room, just make sure that the space is well lit and has some extra space for your kid to stand and stretch. It will also help if you can make that space as personal as possible. It can also be a nice bonding if you and your child can decorate that area and let him design it as he pleases. A little bit of color can help too! You can try bold colors of blue for productivity stimulation or fresh shades of green for concentration.

The habit of doing things earlier

To develop a good attitude towards studying, going out, working, or literally everything, teach your kids that doing things ahead of time is important. Teach them that procrastinating is stressful and it will make their output “half-baked”. Getting them used to this kind of habit will take them a long way.

Start by: giving them light chores or assignments in the house and teach them to do it immediately. Teach them how to prioritize simple tasks and don’t forget to reward them after each accomplishment! This will keep them motivated and eventually develop this habit in everything that they do.

The habit of keeping a positive attitude

Although this is one of the hardest even for adults, just like other habits, it is easier once you start early. Teach them to keep a positive attitude by making them understand what good comes out of it. Small scenarios such as being patient when waiting for who’s turn it is to use the bicycle, being good to everyone inside and outside the school, being generous to siblings or classmates even when there’s not much to share, etc., will practice this habit and lessen kiddie fights wherever.

Start by: applying this to real life situations that will develop their habit of keeping a positive attitude. You should also recognize their right doings so that they know that what they do is appreciated. Also, it would be a great deal if you, as a parent practices this too. Remember that what we do is what matters most, compared to what we ask our kids to do. We are the first teachers of our child and what they see in us will most likely be copied by them.

The habit of saving money

Kids who know the value of money will have a brighter future ahead of them, than those who don’t. As a parent, you are the number one influencer on your children’s financial behavior, so their success will depend on how you raise them, too.

Also, since your kids spend most of their time at school, being jealous or envious of what other kids have may happen. It is important to teach them that one must work hard and save early before they get something they want. Make them understand the difference between short-term savings for a specific want and long-term savings in preparation for their future or emergencies.

Start by: teaching your kids how you earn your own money and don’t give in to all their wants. Everytime they ask for something, tell them that you will have to save for it. This will introduce them to the word “save”. What it is, its value and how it’s being done. You can give them a piggy bank and teach them to save a portion of their school allowance (for example, a five-peso coin) every day. You should also keep a record of their savings and regularly tell them how much they have saved already so they can appreciate it and hopefully get motivated to save even more.

Tip: As a parent, you also want to save for your children’s future. You can invest in an insurance plan that will let you save for your children’s tuition fee when it’s time for college. It comes with a graduation gift in the form of money, which will save your budget when that special moment comes. You can also opt for a health insurance that will protect your children’s health and your savings from hospitalization expenses.

These are just some of the good habits that will help your children become better students and good individuals. Remember that how you raise them is a reflection of how they become as adults, and hopefully, they will pass on these good habits to your grandchildren. The earlier you start, the more likely that your kids will imbibe these habits. Just don’t forget, consistency and patience are keys.

Back