6 ways to get your teen involved in studies.

Education is the cornerstone of human development. Unfortunately for most teenagers, attending college is more about hanging out with friends than acing mid term papers. So how do you get your teens to take studies seriously? It’s not as hard as you think. Follow these simple steps to encourage your kids to take studying seriously.

1. Keep the channels of communication open

It often happens that parents are so busy with house and work related matters, that they have no time to talk to their children. Make it a point to discuss about school. What classes is he/she taking, what does your teen think of the teacher and/or ask if your teen feels he/she is learning anything. This helps you get an idea as to where your kid stands.

2. Set clear goals

Encourage your kids to discover what they love. Spend some time with them and discuss their interests. Share articles and clippings about their career interests with them. Tell him/her what grades you are expecting. Don’t pressure your kid with the weight of your expectations, instead set a grade after discussion with him/her so you can come to an agreeable result. Set consequences for poor grades as well as rewards for good grades. Keep your expectations in line with what your teen feels he/she can do.

3. Make resources available

Resources are important for high school students. It is absolutely essential that your kid has facilities like the internet, library card etc. Students in the modern age use the internet to complete their homework and to research about new topics, so make sure they have whatever they need to accomplish their goals

4. Get Involved

Show support for your teen’s school by regularly attending parent teacher meetings. Be respectful to your teens teachers but don’t be afraid to ask them the tough questions. Also while teaching your child values is your duty as a parent, you should also support him/her when they are in the right. Be an advocate for your kids and trust them when necessary.

5. Create an atmosphere of learning

Remember all human beings learn something new every day of their lives. Create an atmosphere and culture that promotes learning. Encourage your children to take part in elocution competitions, dance classes, piano lessons etc. This will teach your child that learning is an ongoing process and one that can be a lot of fun. Also promote the habit of reading. Gift your child a book on his birthday and ask him to finish reading it. Build his interests in reading as it helps a lot in building communication skills.

6. Reward your teens for their efforts

Reward your child for his/her positive efforts.  The reward can be anything but the child should feel like he/she has achieved something. For instance, tell your child that he can go out and meet his friends if he finishes his homework or alternatively you can gift him something that he’s wanted from a long time.

Getting your teens to study is no easy task. It does take time and effort, but it should become part of a daily routine that both you and your teen can enjoy more than dread.