3 Ways to Help Your Kids in School Without Forcing Them to Study

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December 11th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

One of the hardest parts about being a parent is occasionally having to watch your children struggle in school. Even the brightest children occasionally hit a roadblock in a particular subject, and this period of time can be very trying for everyone involved. While on one hand you may want to just sit your kid down and make them study, sometimes other factors are in play.

If a child is already studying and just doesn’t get the material, you may need to examine other issues such as teacher involvement, social distractions and even learning conditions.

Even if your child is having no trouble at all, there are some steps that you can take to insure that they continue to thrive in school. Give your kids the best advantages in school possible and give yourself a break from nagging them by implementing these simple changes in your daily routine.

* Make sure they are eating a healthy breakfast.

Studies show that most adults either skip breakfast or eat it on the go. While generally young children eat breakfast even when their parents do not, older children such as 8 year olds who may be allowed to make their own breakfast will often emulate their parents’ habits and rush off to school with a sugary breakfast or sometimes none at all.

While all of us need to eat breakfast, children in particular need a balanced meal in order to focus throughout the day and avoid becoming tired. If your child is not eating a breakfast that has protein and fiber, alter their food options or prepare them breakfast for a few days until they get the idea. For example, an orange and some whole-grain cereal make a solid breakfast for a day of learning.

* Ask active questions about school work and the school day.

Ask questions about what is going on at school, and follow up with new questions in later days. This will help your child remain accountable for the things that they are learning and that they are involved in, and also let them know that you are listening and care about their experiences. This habit is definitely best formed when young, since teens and even preteens can be a bit taciturn.

If you have trouble getting more than one-word answers, confront the issue directly. Tell your tacit teen that you understand they may not want to tell you everything, but you are interested in their lives and as their parent demand that you tell them something.

Point out that everyone will be happier if the two of you can have a productive conversation. Most will appreciate your confronting the issue directly, as you would with another adult. In the end, your child’s studies will likely improve simply because they will know that you care and they enjoy the positive responses they get for reporting good things.

* Make sure that they are getting the nutrients they need to focus in school.

Most Americans “young and old alike “ do not get anywhere close to their daily requirements for vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients. Even healthy eaters miss out on important nutrients like omega 3 fatty acid, a compound that makes it easier to focus, remember things and solve problems effectively and correctly.

Consult your child’s pediatrician about adding an omega 3 fish oil supplement to their vitamin regimen. They will likely experience a dramatic increase in their ability to concentrate and focus on schoolwork once the shortage is corrected.

The best type of omega 3 supplement for children is one that is made from salmon, which do not retain trace metals and toxins like many other game fish do.

A supplement like Salmon Oil is ideal for children because it is certified toxin-free and has been specifically constructed to eliminate fish oil side effects like burping and nausea.

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