How Parents Shape a Child’s Learning Habits
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By Zayna Dar, Founder, Shuhari Tuition
When it comes to developing a child’s learning habits, we tend to focus on the role of schools, teachers, and peers. But some of the most important learning happens outside the classroom and in the home. Factors like the routines you establish and the language you use to support learning at home contribute to how your child comes to view school and their place within it.
The power of everyday routines
Children feel more stable and secure when their days have a sense of rhythm. A consistent daily routine that incorporates a period of study time means that children know when it’s time to get down to work. When the day follows a predictable flow, children know what to expect, and this increases their readiness for learning. Instead of rushing homework at the last minute or avoiding it altogether, children settle into homework time with less resistance and a greater willingness to enter ‘study mode’.
Getting your child to set aside a regular time for them to complete assignments or do revision doesn’t require long hours. Even a short, focused period of learning can be effective if it’s free from distractions and happens consistently. Routines also support emotional regulation. When children feel calm and grounded, they’re better able to concentrate and cope with frustration and challenges that arise during learning. A predictable structure reduces uncertainty and the associated anxiety and avoidance that comes with it. This sense of security makes it easier for children to approach learning with a level head.
The language you use around learning
The way parents talk about learning plays a significant role in shaping a student’s confidence in their abilities and their attitude towards learning. Comments about the effort your child is putting into school and the progress they’re making send messages about what matters and how success is defined. Children take these messages on board, and this influences how confident they feel when faced with new or difficult challenges.
It’s important for parents to acknowledge the work their child has put in, even if the result isn’t perfect, as this teaches them that their efforts are valued. For example, phrases like “I can see how much thought you put into that” or “You kept going even when it was tricky” praise your child’s persistence rather than the outcome. If a child is struggling with a topic, saying things like “It’s okay to find this hard” validates their experience and gives them the motivation they need to keep trying.
The way mistakes are discussed is equally important. When parents respond to mistakes with comments like “That doesn’t quite work, but let’s see what we can try next” or “Mistakes help us understand what to do differently”, children are less likely to feel discouraged even if they don’t get it right the first time. This kind of language reassures children that making mistakes is a normal part of the learning process. These small shifts in language affect how children respond to setbacks and their ability to persevere when things get tough.
Creating a supportive learning environment
A supportive learning environment at home doesn’t need to be elaborate. Having a designated study space outside of your child’s bedroom helps them associate that area with concentration and getting work done. The separation between work time and leisure time makes it easier for children to switch into a learning mindset.
Support is most effective when it strikes the right balance between guidance and independence. Children benefit from knowing that help is available while also having the space to think for themselves and problem solve on their own. This balance helps children build confidence in their abilities and take ownership of their learning. Emotional support is just as important as practical support. Feeling listened to and understood when work feels difficult helps children feel safe enough to keep going. This emotional reassurance strengthens a child’s belief that they’re capable of overcoming hurdles.
Modelling positive learning behaviours
Children learn a great deal from how the adults around them approach learning and navigate challenges. When parents show curiosity and a willingness to learn new things, children begin to see learning as an ongoing part of life rather than something that only happens at school. For example, exploring museums, galleries, or libraries together and having conversations about what’s on display can be a great way of learning about history, art, and literature outside of the classroom - all for free.
How parents respond to challenges also impacts a child’s learning habits. For example, if your child is struggling with a homework question, sitting with them and saying “Let’s break this down and try one step at a time” shows them that their difficulties can be worked through. Responding with patience instead of getting frustrated helps children see that struggling doesn’t mean failure. When children observe adults persisting through challenges, reflecting on what didn’t work, and trying a different approach, they learn that persistence pays off and become more resilient learners. In this way, parents help reinforce the idea that learning is a process and persistence plays an important role in making progress.
Small actions, lasting impact
The learning habits children develop are heavily influenced by their parents. Your child’s routines, the language they hear when things feel difficult, their learning environment, and the behaviours they observe all contribute to how they approach learning. You don’t need to recreate the classroom or take on the role of a teacher to support your child’s learning. What matters most is ensuring that learning feels enjoyable and accessible, even if it’s not always easy. By creating an environment where children feel supported and encouraged to learn, parents lay the foundations for positive learning habits.
