University of Wisconsin - Extension

Contact: Lori Zierl, 715-273-6781, Ext. 663, lori.zierl@ces.uwex.edu

Madison, Wis.--Music blares in the background and the cell phone rings continuously. You wonder how your teen can concentrate on homework. The short answer is—they can’t—at least not very well.

While teens may say they like to watch television, listen to music or talk on the phone while they study, research shows that minimizing these and other distractions helps them study better.

“During middle and high school years, teens’ responsibilities tend to increase,” says Mary Huser, University of Wisconsin-Extension prevention. “This is an extremely important time to help your child develop good study habits.”

Huser suggests a number of ways for parents to help teens improve the way they study.

• Help them get organized. Find a clean, quiet spot that’s equipped with everything they need to do their school work. Use a planner to help organize assignments and due dates.
• Minimize distractions by setting rules about when TV, phone calls and use of items such as iPods are okay. And practice what you preach. If you watch television during your child’s study time, you may still be causing a distraction.
• Check in about assignments at least a weekly. Without hounding your child, find out when projects are due and when your teen anticipates finishing.
• Stick to a schedule. Designate a certain time--for example, after dinner-- as study time. Be a role model by reading or working on one of your own projects. Teach your teen that keeping up with school work on a regular basis is better than cramming at the last minute.

Good study habits aren’t the only factor that can affect your teen’s success in school. Getting enough sleep also plays an important role. “Research has linked poor sleep habits to increased rates of depression and attention deficit disorder, as well as poor school performance,” Huser says.

Too many extracurricular activities, too much caffeine and even Circadian rhythms—24-hour cycles that affect when we feel sleepy or alert—can affect teens’ sleep. Most professionals recommend that young people receive more than eight or nine hours of sleep per night, but most teens get significantly less.

Make sleep a priority for the whole family, not just teens, says Huser. Establish consistent bedtimes and waking times throughout the week. Even sleeping late on the weekend doesn’t cancel the negative effects of a sleep deficit during the week.

“Parents can make a real difference,” says Huser. By helping teens get enough sleep and develop good study habits, you will be reinforcing good habits that will help them throughout their lives.

For more information about parenting teenagers from the University of Wisconsin-Extension, visit the publications website at http://learningstore.uwex.edu/Parenting-Teenagers-C76.aspx