One of the most critical factors for a child’s academic success is their ability to focus. Dr. Murat Doğan, Head of the Argivit Children’s Health Products Research Group and Specialist in Child Health and Diseases, states that children can improve their concentration skills by exercising to release their energy and doing brain exercises with intelligence games. “The effects of social media use on attention deficit are also a very important issue today. Research shows that social media can increase symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Therefore, to prevent distraction, it is necessary to limit social media use first. Additionally, paying attention to children’s social interactions is also an important step.”
Expert Advice for Increasing a Child’s School Performance
Dr. Doğan emphasized the importance of a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition for school success. He highlighted that alongside effective study habits and stress management, a child’s ability to focus and concentrate is one of the key factors for achievement. Dr. Doğan stated the importance of avoiding distractions while studying, such as phones and social media. Furthermore, he noted that short and regular study periods, combined with scheduled breaks, increase focus and facilitate learning.
Dr. Doğan stated that supporting children during exam periods involves reducing stress, providing a healthy lifestyle, and fostering good study habits. He emphasized that parents play a crucial role in organizing their children’s learning environment and instilling productive study routines. Furthermore, Dr. Doğan noted that striking a balance between support and pressure is essential. Some children need to be motivated into action, while others require assistance in staying calm.
6 Tips to Boost Your Child’s School Performance
Dr. Doğan listed the following steps to support children’s success in exams and the general education process:
1. Cultivate Reading as a Habit from Infancy
The reading habit is the key to increasing your child’s school success and lifelong learning. To foster this habit from infancy, reading aloud to your children should be a part of your daily routine. Initially, you can attract your child’s interest by keeping this time short. Over time, it will be easier to increase the reading duration. Furthermore, interacting with your child during reading is very important. For example, ask them questions about the story and talk about it. This kind of dialogue improves their thinking and prediction abilities. Finally, your child seeing you read helps them grasp the importance of reading.
2. Prevent Screen Dependency
However, another issue requiring attention is screen dependency. Done research has shown that students remember new vocabulary 20% faster after exercise. Specifically, devices like computers, smartphones, and television can trigger the development of myopia in children aged 6–13. Remember that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the emergence of myopia. For example, working at a close distance and prolonged screen use increase this risk. Similarly, low exposure to sunlight is also a significant factor. It is important to regularly check children’s eye health and support their reading skills. Additionally, you can get information from teachers about after-school or summer reading programs. Furthermore, having developmental tests done with psychologists is also important. Remember that early diagnosis is one of the most effective ways to increase your child’s academic success.
3. Never Neglect Brain-Supporting Nutrition
Disruptions in children’s nutritional patterns can lead to serious physical problems like obesity and diabetes. However, this situation is not limited to just physical health. Nutritional disorders also negatively affect children’s cognitive health. For instance, early-age malnutrition can lead to cognitive problems such as attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. Brain-supporting nutrients are highly important for children’s cognitive health. For example, phosphatidylserine supplements can alleviate the symptoms of these types of disorders and increase mental performance. Research reveals that phosphatidylserine positively affects your child’s school success by increasing focus in school-aged children. Phosphatidylserine strengthens focus in children with attention deficit. It also improves short and long-term memory. Furthermore, it speeds up reflex responses and increases general focus. Regularly consuming these nutrients directly and positively affects your child’s school success. You can also consult your pharmacist about this matter and use reliable, certified food supplements.
4. Physical Exercise Boosts Brain Power
Studying alone is not enough to support academic achievement. Physical exercise positively affects children’s school and exam performance by boosting brain power. Research shows that regular exercise strengthens memory and provides increased blood flow to brain regions. It was found that students remember new vocabulary 20% faster after exercise. Doing just 15 minutes of extra exercise per week can significantly increase adolescents’ academic performance.
5. Sleep Schedule is Essential for Life Success
Sleep plays a role too important to be ignored for your child’s school success. Research reveals that sleep deficiency negatively affects students’ brain functions and leads to low grades. Therefore, parents should encourage their children to develop habits of going to bed early and waking up early. Considering that children go to school in the early morning hours, it is important for adolescents to optimize their sleep schedules. Adequate and quality sleep ensures students are more successful in their lessons and increases their performance during exam periods.
6. Prioritize Your Children’s Sleep Schedule
This simple habit both increases their academic success and improves their general health. Encouraging early bedtime habits not only reduces exam stress but also positively affects learning processes. Giving the necessary importance to sleep directly contributes to your children leading a successful and healthy life.