As parents, we want our children to perform well academically. However, children learn and process information differently to adults. At worst, we may misinterpret their lack of interest in learning as a sign of laziness. Rather than resorting to forceful means, there are healthier ways to motivate children to learn. 

1. Teach your children to have control and be responsible for their learning

When there is an upcoming test, parents shouldn’t ask, “Are you going to study?” A better question would be, “What are you going to study? Do you need help?” This simple change can dramatically change your children’s reason to study. 

The latter question helps them to assume control – they are encouraged to come up with a study plan. The former question doesn’t achieve this effect, and at worse, your children might think that you are simply ‘nagging’ them to study.

2. Focus on the topic to be learned, not their studying performance

We understand that children should study for a test to ultimately score high grades – this is a performance indicator. However, the fundamental reason to learn shouldn’t be to achieve good grades. In fact, children who passionately learn will perform well in a test as a side effect.

When studying, it is much better to be concerned about whether or not your children understand and appreciate the topic, rather than to focus too much on your children’s performance in practice exercises.

3. Instill the love of reading to your children

You may argue that there are many ways for children (and adults) to learn something. However, there is more to reading and the power it can bring. A lot of material and knowledge is in text form. This means that reading comprehension would largely determine how much knowledge your children can adopt. 

Another advantage of reading is that it trains your children to focus and to have control over the pace in which they are consuming the content. As the first point suggests, having control improves your children’s learning experience.

4. Help them to develop good study habits

Good study habits contribute greatly to students’ academic success. When talking about habits, it’s less important to focus on the amount of time your children study each night. Rather, it’s the consistency that is the key quality to good study habits – consistent timing, duration and place. 

A good study habit is one that allows your children to study even on their worst days. During the days that they don’t feel like studying, the study habit would encourage them to at least sit down to review, even for a few minutes.

Learning never stops, and children should learn to enjoy the process

At IPEKA Integrated Christian School, we help students to discover the joy of learning and encourage curiosity to lead them towards greater knowledge and meaning. We are an international Christian school in Jakarta and other major cities in Indonesia. Learn more about our school by exploring our site.