Developing Good Study Habits - The Earlier the Better

A large number of parents do not help their children develop good study habits during the formative years. Whether it is an oversight or because the adults in the family are tired from the workday, this is an often neglected part of parenting responsibilities.

Failure to properly motivate study can cause problems in high school leading to grades that are not as good as they could be. Poor study habits at the college level can mean the difference between passing and failing.

When Is It Too Late to Instruct?

Although it may be late to influence a child on how to study as a sophomore in high school, it is still better to begin there than when an 18-year old is leaving for college. Unfortunately, that is what happens in many situations.

If you still have a year or two to prepare for your child to attend college, take some time to observe their study habits.

Many students "study" while the television blares in the background or with headphones in their ears. This often is not an exception, but the rule. Of course, this is not the recommended way of learning, and after a child does it for some time, it seems normal, acceptable, and the preferred way to go about studying. When the time comes for college, learning a different routine will be difficult.

What to Expect from Poor Study Habits

Poor study habits in the middle and high school years will only lead to those that are just as bad or worse in college. It's easy to understand why so many college students never complete their studies. The material in college is harder than in high school, and the work done outside of class has less structure and fewer hours put toward it.

A parent may sound like a broken record to their child, but parents should continually stress the importance of having some quiet time every day in college to study. This may not work out in the dorm room because of a roommate, but there are usually places for communal study, supervised and quiet, such as the library.

Closely Watch the Early Grades

The student who has problems early in college is often the one who never studied properly in high school. Parents cannot go back in time and teach better habits, but they can keep close tabs on what happens in the first weeks of college before grades begin to slip. They can encourage study groups to enhance the understanding of harder subjects or look for tutors who will instill better studying habits for the new college student.

The earlier in your child's life you teach and enforce good study habits, the better, and setting the standard in the elementary years is highly recommended.