Good study habits are needed for children at any age as they learn to deal with regular homework and, later, start studying for exams. It can take time for children to attain good habits as sometimes it is a case of trial and error of when to study, where to study and how to study effectively.
When you have a child who is moving into sixth form or college, wanting them to have these skills nailed for the coming two years can feel a little worrying. You really hope that they are able to buckle down, work more independently and do the best that they can.
This new stage can feel exciting and daunting because parents want their children to be independent and have high academic expectations, but also don’t want to interfere too much. You want to let the teenager take ownership, work hard, but also learn to work smarter.
Working smarter isn’t about doing more though. It’s about helping your child feel confident, organised and in control of their learning. If they can do this, they will be able to stay on top of their workload, avoid unnecessary stress and make the most of their time in and out of the classroom.
So, how can parents support their child to build good study habits as they settle into further education?
How to Improve Study Habits
- Encourage kids to take clear, organised notes in lessons. This will make revision far easier later on.
- Help them plan ahead for tests, coursework and deadlines so nothing comes as a last-minute surprise.
- Suggest they review what they’ve learned each day, even briefly, to strengthen understanding.
- Remind them to focus on one task at a time—multitasking often slows them down and reduces retention.
- Encourage regular breaks between subjects to help young minds stay refreshed and focused.
- Support opportunities for group study with friends, where teenagers can discuss ideas and test each other.
- Help them reflect on mistakes in tests and assessments so they can learn and improve.
- Encourage them to seek feedback from teachers and use it to guide their progress.
- If they enjoy a subject, suggest they explore it further beyond the syllabus to deepen their interest.
Some students naturally take initiative, while others may need a little guidance. These strategies can help all learners become more independent and proactive.
Remember, though, that balance is key. Sixth form and further education is hard work, so it’s equally important for your child to rest, socialise and enjoy their time. Supporting a healthy balance will help prevent burnout and keep your child motivated throughout the year and into the next.
Get More Support with Building Study Skills
Study Well: Take Time Off to Relax
Mindset for Children Sitting Exams
Read 5 Tips for Helping Children to Revise.
Helping Children To Improve Grades
If your child is really struggling with studying, exam nerves or stress and could do with some extra help, find out more about how Life Coaching for Children can help them. If you’d like to get in touch, just visit the contact us page.
