My Child Won't Study, What Should I Do? 7 Effective Solutions for Mothers

Every parent makes the same statement from time to time:

"My child doesn't study; they always spend time on their phone or computer."

This situation is especially common in students aged 12-17. The emotional changes of adolescence, technology addiction, and a still-unformed sense of responsibility can make studying a difficult task for children.

So, what should be done in this situation? Here are 7 effective solutions to this most common problem experienced by mothers:

1. See Not Studying as a Symptom, Not a Problem

Your child's reluctance to study is actually a "result of a cause."

Lack of motivation

Lack of goals

Lack of time management

Turning to technology

These are just a few of the reasons. First, try to understand the cause, not the problem.

2. Help Your Child Set Goals

Studying is a pointless task for a student without goals.

Set small, achievable goals for your child:

“This week I will solve 10 more math problems.”

“I will read for 20 minutes a day.”

Next, support them in setting future goals:

High school/university placement on the LGS or YKS exam

Future career dreams

Remember, children with goals find motivation easier.

3. Limit Phone and Computer Use

The most common complaint from parents: “My child is using their phone instead of studying.”

It's important to establish a balance here, rather than impose restrictions.

Limit screen time to specific times.

Allow 20 minutes of social media or gaming time after studying as a “reward.”

Ensure they have a phone in a shared area.

These methods reduce conflict and encourage your child to make more informed choices.

4. Celebrate Small Successes

Your child's motivation is fueled by small successes.

Congratulate them if they complete their homework for a day.

Give them a small reward if they meet their weekly goal.

This way, your child learns that studying brings "positive results."

5. Organize the Study Environment

Distractions and technological devices make studying difficult.

Clear the study desk.

Create a quiet space.

Keep your phone off the desk during class.

The more organized and calm your child's study environment, the easier it will be for them to focus.

6. Use Methods to Instil a Love of Studying

Simply saying "study" often doesn't work. Instead:

Break study time into short 25-minute blocks (the Pomodoro method).

Make things fun (e.g., quizzes or competitions with prizes).

Offer to work together (especially at a young age).

Studying shouldn't be "an obligation," but rather "a process that makes learning enjoyable."

7. Get Professional Support with Student Coaching

In some cases, all the efforts of parents may not be enough. This is where student coaching comes in.

A student coach:

Instills a sense of responsibility in the child,

Applies personalized methods to foster a love of studying,

Provides support with goal setting, time management, and motivation.

With one-on-one sessions, the child acquires skills they can use not only in school but also throughout their life.

📌 Conclusion

Every child is different. Getting angry or imposing restrictions on your child who doesn't study isn't the solution. The key is to understand your child, guide them, and seek professional support when necessary.

Remember:

👉 A motivated, goal-oriented, and responsible student achieves success.

👉 And having a professional student coach alongside parents on this journey makes a huge difference.

Methods to Instill a Love of Study in Children Addicted to Phones and Games

Many mothers today have a common complaint:

"My child is constantly spending time on their phone or playing computer games and doesn't want to study."

Despite the conveniences technology has brought to our lives, phone and game addiction has become a serious problem in children. Social media, online games, and video platforms are increasingly taking over their studies, especially among students aged 12-17.

So, what should be done in this situation? Here are some effective methods to encourage children addicted to phone and games to enjoy studying:

1. Don't Ban, Create a Balance

Many parents initially choose to ban phones or computers entirely. However, this method often backfires. The child tries to play games secretly, creates conflict with the family, and further distances themselves from studying.

The Right Approach:

Clearly limit daily screen time (e.g., 1-2 hours).

Organize game and social media use as a reward after class.

Give your child the opportunity to take control of their own responsibilities.

2. Understand Your Child Instead of Blaming Them

Phone or game addiction isn't just a matter of "stubbornness." For a child, play is much more than just entertainment:

A space where they feel successful.

A way to connect with their friends.

A way to relieve stress.

Understanding this will help you guide your child in a healthier way.

3. Start with Small Goals

Don't expect your child to study for hours at a time. This is unrealistic for a child addicted to games.

Things you can do:

First, create short study blocks of just 15-20 minutes.

Gradually increase these periods.

Congratulate them or offer small rewards when they complete their goals.

This method will help them stop feeling "intimidated."

4. Use Gamified Study Techniques

If your child loves games, you can make studying a game.

Set up a system where they collect points for solving problems.

Set small rewards for studying afterward.

Make lessons a challenge (e.g., a race to solve 15 problems in 20 minutes).

This method brings the motivational system your child connects with play into the classroom.

5. Keep Your Study Environment Phone- and Game-Free

If your phone is on the table while studying, it's impossible to focus.

Leave your phone in another room.

Make your desk neat and tidy.

Only turn on your computer when necessary during class.

An environment that facilitates focus makes studying more productive.

6. Monitor Social Media and Game Time

Many students don't realize how much they use their phones. You might not be aware of it either.

Review the "screen time reports" on their phones together.

Make them aware of their daily usage.

Then offer to gradually reduce this time.

This way, your child starts taking responsibility for themselves.

7. Be a Role Model as a Parent

If you're constantly staring at a screen while telling your child to "put down their phone and study," this message won't be effective.

Reduce your own screen time.

Share your reading habits.

Create "tech-free time" as a family (for example, one hour in the evening).

Children practice what they see. Parental role modeling is crucial.

8. Seek Professional Support: Student Coaching

In some cases, all the parental efforts may not be enough. If phone and game addiction has reached a level that negatively impacts a child's future, student coaching can make a big difference.

A student coach:

Provides motivation for studying,

Helps children find balance in technology use,

Supports them in developing a sense of responsibility and goal setting.

With one-on-one coaching sessions, students not only achieve academic success but also gain self-confidence and discipline.

📌 Conclusion

Phone and game addiction is one of the biggest problems facing children today. However, this problem can be controlled with the right methods.

Finding a balance instead of imposing restrictions,

Making studying a game,

Setting small goals, and

Getting professional support

can transform both your child's academic success and their outlook on life.

Remember:

👉 To help your child enjoy studying, you need the right guidance, not pressure.

Motivational Tactics for Students Preparing for the LGS and YKS Exams

The LGS and YKS exams are two important and significant exams in students' lives. However, the most challenging part of preparing for these exams is maintaining motivation.

Many parents complain, "My child is preparing for the exam, but they're reluctant to study; their motivation quickly drops." This is perfectly normal, as the exam marathon is a long process. So, how can we keep motivation high? Here are effective motivational tactics for students preparing for the LGS and YKS exams:

1. Identify the Why: Setting Goals

Goals are the most powerful source of motivation.

For an LGS student, a goal might be getting into a good high school.

For a YKS student, a goal might be their dream university or career.

Ask your child, "Why are you studying?" Finding their own answer will motivate them.

📌 Tip: You can hang small notes or visuals on the room wall to remind them of their goals.

2. Divide Study Time into Smaller Pieces

Sitting at a desk for long hours quickly tires students. Instead:

Implement 25 minutes of study + 5 minutes of break (Pomodoro technique).

Take a 20-minute break after every four rounds.

This way, students work more efficiently and maintain motivation without getting bored.

3. Keep a Success Journal

Writing down small successes each day allows students to see their own progress.

Number of tests solved today

Correct answers

New topics learned

Recognizing small successes boosts students' self-confidence and strengthens their sense of "I can do it."

4. Teach Time Management

One of the most challenging aspects of preparing for exams is scheduling time.

Prepare a weekly study schedule.

Keep a regular track of study hours.

Limit phone and game time.

Students who use their time efficiently experience less stress and maintain motivation more easily.

5. Provide Social Support

Motivation is fueled not only by individual factors but also by environmental factors.

As a parent, make your child feel reassured.

Use the phrase "I'll be there for you" instead of "If you don't work, it won't happen."

Group work with friends can also boost motivation.

6. Use Small Rewards

Constant studying can tire students. Therefore, recognize and reward their efforts.

Give them a small gift when they complete their weekly goal.

Let them engage in their favorite activity.

Recognize their successes within the family.

But remember: Rewards should be small and regular, not large. Otherwise, they risk studying for the reward, not the coursework.

7. Professional Student Coaching Support

Some students can quickly lose motivation despite setting goals and studying regularly. In this case, student coaching makes a big difference.

A student coach:

Helps students clarify their goals.

Identifies obstacles that reduce motivation.

It develops personalized study strategies.

It teaches time management and ways to cope with exam stress.

With one-on-one sessions, students maintain exam motivation and study more consciously.

📌 Conclusion

LGS and YKS are not only tests of knowledge but also motivation.

Setting goals

Progressing in small steps

Managing time effectively

Getting social support

ensures a healthier and more productive marathon.

Remember: 👉 Motivation is not a one-time energy; it is a force that can be renewed daily with the right methods.