Mothers undertake a daily task that drains much of their energy, especially when they are managing household chores and caring for children, particularly infants. If the mother is classified as a working woman, the effort doubles. Therefore, it’s crucial that mothers stop directly helping with homework for all their children. It’s important for them to understand the age at which they should stop doing this.
According to educational experts, a child should be allowed to study on their own by the time they reach twelve years old. After this age, the mother should not stay with the child throughout the study time. Here are some important tips to help mothers successfully encourage their child to study independently:
Gradual Withdrawal During Study Time
Start by gradually stepping away from the study environment rather than doing it suddenly. Just as it’s essential for your child to begin handling their own belongings, this transition should not be abrupt. Use a gradual approach: for example, sit beside them for a few minutes, observe what they are doing, and then step away for ten minutes before returning. This gradual method helps the child get used to the absence of the parent while still focusing on their tasks.
Boost Your Child’s Confidence
Encourage your child by affirming their abilities. Reinforce their belief that they can manage tasks independently. Instead of saying "I don’t know" or "I can’t do it," teach them to say, "Try" or "You’re smart, you can do this." Positive reinforcement helps build their self-esteem and confidence in handling responsibilities early on.
Teach Time Management
Help your child learn how to organize their time. From an early age, they should understand the importance of order and structure in both their home and school life. Parents should model good time-management habits, as children are more likely to learn from example. Gradually allow the child to manage their time independently, but still guide them to ensure a balance between school work, play, and rest. Over time, children will see how good time management leads to better focus and better academic performance.
Encourage Study Planning
Teach your child to plan their study time by creating a small timetable of tasks. For example, ask them about their plan for the day, but avoid stepping in too much. If they have an exam the next day, they should dedicate most of their time to reviewing for that subject and then proceed with other homework. Teaching them to plan their study routine helps them stay organized and reduces wasted energy.
Foster Independence from a Young Age
Start fostering independence in your child from an early age. If they haven’t learned how to choose their clothes or clean their room, it will be difficult for them to study alone later. Don’t do everything for them out of fear or the perception that they are too young. Doing everything for them can create dependency, making it hard for them to study alone. Encouraging independence in tasks like dressing, tidying up, or making simple decisions will help them later on when it’s time to study.
Provide Time for Breaks
Allow your child to choose their own break times. Don’t impose your opinion on when they should take a break, whether it’s to play, rest, or watch TV. Children are not robots, and their needs for rest should be respected. Even if they seem energetic, they still need rest for their physical and mental well-being.
Praise and Encourage Efforts
Praise your child for their efforts, not just for the outcomes. For example, instead of just praising their grades, acknowledge their hard work and dedication. This encourages them to continue making an effort rather than simply expecting praise for good results. Use words that focus on the action, such as "You did a great job with your study," or "Your handwriting is beautiful," to motivate them further.
By gradually allowing your child to study independently, you are not only helping them develop important skills but also ensuring their personal growth and academic success. Encouragement, organization, and independence are key elements that contribute to a child’s success in school and beyond.
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