The secret of success is to do the common things uncommonly well. (John D. Rockefeller).
Both parents and teens often search for that special study technique, the one that guarantees the success that your teen and you as a parent would like your teen to achieve. The truth is, achieving academic success is less about finding a magical method and more about building solid habits and practicing them consistently. The first thing I share with parents is that academic success must align with what your teenager is capable of and motivated to achieve. It’s about setting realistic, personal goals that inspire your teen to put in the work needed to reach them. Every teen has their own strengths, which means they may excel in some subjects more than others, and that’s okay! Success looks different for every student, and it’s crucial that your teen’s academic goals reflect their unique talents and ambitions. Whether it’s a 2.6 GPA in Algebra 2 or a 3.8 in World History, what’s important is that your teen is setting goals they can achieve and taking responsibility for their learning journey.
As a parent, it’s natural to want the best for your teen, but one of the most important things you can do is avoid comparing them to their friends, siblings, or classmates. Remember, “comparison is the thief of joy” and can create unnecessary distance between you and your teen. While comparisons were helpful when they were younger, such as ensuring they hit developmental milestones, in high school and beyond comparisons can be more harmful than helpful. Instead, focus on encouraging your teen’s unique talents. If they feel they’re falling short academically, socially, or personally, have an open conversation about their goals and aspirations. The key is to support them in reaching their potential, based on their own desires, not on external expectations. And while encouragement is essential, so are good study habits. Here are a few study habits that can make a big difference.
The simplest and most effective study habit is attending class and truly listening. For our teen to show up and pay attention. No daydreaming, no Snapchatting, no chatting, just focus on what the teacher is saying. Being engaged in class is half the battle. One way for your teen to stay engaged is by taking notes. Not just any notes, but ones that capture the essence of the lesson and their understanding of it. Have your teen participate in class by asking questions or contributing to discussions. This not only keeps them engaged but also helps clarify their understanding, making their notes more meaningful.
The second habit is all about what your teen does after class. Have your teen review their notes as soon as possible to reinforce what they have learned, and if they can read their own writing. Yes, it is not a surprise that teen’s often can not read what they write and fixing that quickly is important. Doing it right before the night of the big exam creates stress for them and you. This quick habit helps cement the material in their mind. Then, go a step further. Rewrite their notes, add their own ideas, questions or comments. Yes, it might seem redundant, but the act of rewriting helps reinforce the material and highlights key points. It’s also an excellent way to prepare for upcoming tests.
Create a dedicated space where your teen can concentrate without distractions. This might mean putting the phone in another room or using a laptop that’s free from social media temptations. It’s easy to lose track of time on your phone or computer, so keep study tools and entertainment devices separate. This allows your teen to focus on their work and get it done efficiently, freeing up more time for the things they enjoy. Gaming, texting and watching YouTube are great after the academic work is complete, otherwise it is easy to be lost in hours of social media and homework is forgotten.
Optional review sessions and materials are like gold, don’t ignore them! Teachers often provide these resources before big tests, and they’re designed to help your teen focus on the most important concepts. As parents, make sure your teen can attend the review sessions, and if they are in college a gentle reminder is helpful. Remember, teachers want your teen to succeed. They’re the best resource, encouraging your teen to ask for help or clarification of an assignment or a lecture helps them to succeed academically. It also helps your teen to learn that it is okay to ask for help when needed, a skill they will need to use throughout their career.
Finally, write everything down—assignments, tests, social events, and even downtime. Use a planner to keep track of all aspects of their life. A well-organized planner can help your teen manage their time and avoid the stress of forgetting something important. The key is to update the planner daily and review it weekly to stay on top of commitments. A planner does not go to school with your teen, it stays home and your teen spends time on Sunday evening planning for the upcoming week. It is learning time management skills not academic homework management.
These study habits not only improve academic performance but also build essential skills like time management and personal responsibility. They’re the building blocks of success, not just in school, but in life. Planning, asking questions, reviewing assignments is something that your teen will use always. We as parents and professionals, plan, ask questions, review contracts, bids, plans or products in our line of work. Teaching your teen to do this early helps them build the confidence to easily do this in their career.
If your teen is in a class that requires a lot of memorization, I recommend the book Moonwalking With Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything by Joshua Foer. It’s a great resource for developing memory techniques that can make studying more effective and even fun.