Most parents know that getting their children to buckle down to their studies can be a challenge, but there are some tips and tricks you can deploy to provide encouragement. The first step in creating a study area is to start by carving out a comfortable work area for them. If they have one which is solely theirs, this will allow them to maintain concentration and focus on their studies, making life so much easier for everyone! A dedicated study area filled with everything they need, and preferably free from distractions such as the TV, is possible to achieve even within the smallest home. Let’s look at how best to achieve this.
It has to be comfortable
It is so difficult to concentrate on anything when you are uncomfortable, especially if you have a fidget in the family, so let’s start by setting up a comfortable workstation. A comfy desk chair is essential, as, of course, is the right desk. The desk should be big enough to fit everything your child needs for their studies but not too big that they fill it with clutter. A reclaimed wood desk adds style and will blend in with most interior schemes or for a slightly edgier and cool look, an industrial desk will fit the bill.
Cut the clutter and distractions
A cluttered desk or a cluttered room leads to a cluttered mind or so the saying goes, so whether your child has their own study room or just a corner somewhere, it is vital to keep this area tidy. That means no TV, video games consoles or phones unless it’s necessary for their study subject. It is down to you as the parent to take the lead and find somewhere to hide any gaming consoles or devices that will distract your child from studying.
The desk should also be free of unnecessary clutter so that it is easier to find whatever is needed all the time. A set of office drawers or a small desk with drawers will provide a neat way of storing away books, files and other essentials and will give the child a sense of their own private space for their personal items. If there is limited space, adding a slimline bookcase or cabinet for storage is another good option.
Nice stationery for motivation
Multiple sheets of paper or post-it notes are all very well, and often important, but to promote a sense of organised tidiness, suggest they use a set of single-line notebooks with a cover showing a favourite picture along with a matching set of pens and pencils and cheery containers to keep them in. While you’re about it, add some motivational messages (or even bribes!) to keep their spirits and morale up. Allow them a couple of personal touches to brighten their study space, such as a favourite photo or colourful wall art.
Choose lighting and colour scheme carefully
Any colour scheme should be neutral for the best effect. Bright colours are likely to be a distraction and risk sensory overload. Keep it cool and neutral but not boring. The right lighting can help your child to focus and keep working for longer, so a compact LED desk lamp is ideal as LED throws a cool, bright (but not too bright) glow. This means it won’t get hot as well as some old style bulbs can.
Hopefully, these tips have given you a little inspiration as to how to make this next school year your child’s best yet. What tips do you have for encouraging your child to study? Let us know in the comment box below or see our Ideas & Inspiration and home office tips for more inspo. And to buy the look here at Modish Living.