Want to encourage your child to learn more at home? It sounds like an impossible task, especially if your child would prefer to play computer games or watch TV, but there are a couple of simple ways to motivate your child to learn more.

1. Set a schedule for study time

Make sure you set a schedule for their study time. Don’t be afraid to commit an hour or two for study sessions, but make sure your child gets breaks to ensure they don’t get too bored or fatigued. Long study sessions end up being detrimental because it’s hard for children to focus for long periods at a time.

2. Make use of free worksheets

Worksheets are a great way to give your child work to do without having to plan a lesson beforehand. Take a look at resources such as Studentreasures.com to learn more about the different kinds of worksheets that you can download, edit and print for your child.

3. Be an example for your child

Your child follows you as an example, so it’s important to show how fun and interesting studying at home can be. Show them how you solve problems and read more to set yourself as an example. If you don’t practice what you preach then your children are never going to feel motivated to study at home.

4. Consider group study sessions

You could also consider a group study session with other members of the household or with your child’s friends from school. Group study sessions can be a fantastic way to add a bit more fun to learning, but you need to make sure it doesn’t happen too often as it can be an excuse for your child to meet up with their friends and play. If you do end up inviting your child’s friends over for a study group, make sure they actually study and don’t just sneak off to play video games.

5. Don’t restrict your child’s fun time

Balancing work and fun is extremely important. Don’t just restrict your children to studying. Instead, make use of parental controls on video games to set limits on how much your child can play, but let them choose how to manage their time. You may want to suggest having your child study in the morning so that they can relax in the evening with their games.

6. Show an interest in the things your child wants to learn

If you show an interest in the things that your child wants to learn, it validates the subject and motivates them to chase it. If you show little to no interest, then it doesn’t create much incentive for your child to pursue it unless they have another source of motivation. Parents can be a huge driving force when it comes to encouraging children to learn more, so make sure you show some interest in what your child likes to talk about.

7. Gather different kinds of learning resources

There are lots of different learning resources that you can gather which makes it easier to create lesson plans and decide on things to teach your child. It’s also a great way to get inspired and learn more about different subjects and topics that you could teach your child. Alternatively, learning resources can be a great way for your child to learn independently without needing your guidance.

8. Aim to read more books with your child

Reading with your child is a fantastic bonding activity that gets them used to the idea of reading and also helps them with their vocabulary. It also shows an interest in the things they want to read and learn, and it sets a good example because it shows that you also like to read.

9. Stay organised at home

Staying organised is important because it makes it much easier for your child to focus on their work. For instance, make sure you have a bookshelf or a drawer with all of their school materials, and ensure that their school supplies are always stocked up. This can include blank books, pencils, erasers and so on. If you don’t have these supplies, then it can be difficult for your child to work and study.

10. Focus on your child’s strengths

Lastly, don’t forget to focus on your child’s strengths and the things they’re interested in. Don’t try to force a subject onto them, especially if they don’t like it. Don’t focus on their weaknesses either by trying to force them to improve. Instead, play to their strengths and encourage them to learn things related to those interests.