7 of My Favorite Study Habits and Helpers ...

Some parents insist on homework the minute the kids walk in the door. Please mom, remember they have spent the last eight hours in class. A break can be refreshing and relaxing. Let your tired scholar rest his brain muscles! Eat a snack, take a break, and then work on homework.

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A homework station is easy to set up. Make sure your child has access to pencils, papers, folders, and reference books. Also, there should be plenty of light. You can use the dining room table, a window seat, or an unused corner of the basement.

No, I don’t mean loud, toe tapping, jamming music. My children listen to soft classical pieces. Why not try Mozart, Handel, Brahms, and others. Classical music has been proven to improve IQ levels. Keep the choices light and cheery and maybe your kids will not balk at the idea.

Healthy snacks are a great addition for study habits. Protein is an excellent choice. Think peanut butter and crackers, egg salad, or protein bars. Don’t forget veggies and fruits. Serve them with ranch dip and caramel sauce.

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It may be necessary for your child to use the Internet for research. Please safe guard your children! Do not allow surfing or random browsing. Odd and strange websites can pop up through even the basic Google search. Monitor your kids while they make use of the computer.

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What is your child doing behind closed doors? Are they really working on homework? How do you know? With no supervision, your son or daughter may not have the will power to refuse that text message of phone call. It may be best to set up a homework station close to you. This will assure the essay is written before the text message.

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If your child is easily distracted by the dog outside the window or little Tommy playing with his cars on the floor, make a privacy enclosure. You can buy tri-fold display board or make one from three cardboard display boards taped together. These can be placed on the table and when homework is finished, simply fold them and place in the closet or under the couch. No more wondering eyes!

Let’s face it. Even the most studious student doesn’t love homework all the time. Help make homework time as enjoyable as possible for your kids by making this time as special as possible. What compels your child to finish his homework? (Please don’t say bribes!)

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