How to help your teen develop their brain power

The parent's role becomes that of a guide rather than a companion. Remember that the objective of homework is not to get the right answers, or even to get all the homework done! Instead, it's to allow your teenager to build their brain power!

In fact, by creating an environment conducive to learning, every minute spent studying will build links between the brain's neurons that will serve to develop different types of intelligence in your child. So, how can you create this environment conducive to homework and learning for your teen?

5 strategies to consider before homework time

1- Set limits together

Establishing a safe environment while allowing your teen to express themselves is important. Encouraging listening, benevolence and empathy will help build trust between you. Tip: avoid screens and set clear rules about the use of the telephone, video games, television, etc. For more information, read our article on Recommended Screen Time for Teens.

2- Help your teen create a stable routine

To get an on the same page, ask your teen to draw up a game plan for the week (in their own way, using their creativity). Determine together when study times will be and make sure that all other activities for the week are included in the plan to allow for free time as well.

3- Create a space and atmosphere

Move the furniture if needed! Sometimes a little change in the room can bring about renewed focus. Make sure you have a place for everything. Keeping the space tidy will also make a big difference. Celebrate the small victories to make your teenager feel valued throughout the process.

4- Take a moment to relax

Doing a few minutes of physical activity outside with your teen will provide multiple benefits for both of you. The idea is to relieve the stress of the day and get some oxygen to the brain. It is also good to relax or have a snack before starting homework.

5- Have a healthy lifestyle

Eating well and sleeping well will promote brain development.

Encourage independence and organization

Once the basics are in place, help your adolescent discover their own motivation. Be available to answer questions within the limits you have agreed upon together. In addition, encourage your teen to develop independence at their own pace: start by taking out their materials, making their weekly plan, respecting the times assigned for homework, etc.

Provide them with support, strategies, and appropriate tools. For example, work with them on their study habits, organization skills, and time management, and provide them with a timer. If your teen is having trouble staying organized, Alloprof has a lot of simple tips to help them plan their homework.

Don't forget to have fun

Find fun ways to learn, such as role-playing or games, and make mistakes less of a big deal. Mistakes are how we learn! If your teen gets demotivated or hits a roadblock, guide him or her through it in a fun way! To inspire you, Alloprof offers a game zone.

Motivation

Encouragement is essential to maintain motivation. Listen to the difficulties and keep a benevolent attitude, while maintaining a stable and coherent framework. Point out every little victory to make your teen feel good about the process. Does homework time lead to a power struggle, filled with lectures, judgments, threats and yelling? The positive parenting approach allows you to avoid stress and anger, as well as open a dialogue with your child and establish a trusting bond. Remember that the goal is not to have all the right answers, but to take the time to understand.

Why it matters 

The efforts put into homework are not just about understanding the material and getting good grades, but also for "building up the brain." The neural pathways created in the brain make it easier to make other connections and learn new things in the future. 

Did you know that?

Diapason-Jeunesse is a community organization founded in 1997 to contribute to the school perseverance of young Laval residents aged 12 to 17 who are having difficulty in school or who are at risk of dropping out? Various programs and services are offered to help, coach and accompany, provide individual and group support to promote motivation, self-esteem, autonomy, mutual aid, and engagement.

References (in french)

Claudine Potvin, Spécialiste en éducation
Femme actuelle, 6 astuces pour (enfin) mettre son ado au travail !
Alloprof, Parents, Planifier ses devoirs au secondaire