From their earliest school years, children often face the challenge of performing well academically. Unfortunately, parents are frequently the ones who “bombard” their kids with expectations, pressuring them to become top students. However, this type of pressure is rarely effective and can often lead to the opposite of the desired outcomes. Competition and performance anxiety can harm a child’s mental health and negatively affect their academic results.

Every child needs time and unconditional support from their parents to succeed at school. This approach allows children to gradually develop habits of a truly excellent student—without feeling oppressed. But what is the goal? Specifically, what habits can a child adopt to achieve better academic performance?

Here are some key habits children can integrate into their daily lives for improved school success:

Truly Good Students: Key Habits and the Role of Parents

1. Active Learning Beyond the Book
   Good students don’t just read their textbooks—they explore examples, solve additional exercises, seek extra information, and practice regularly.
2. Balanced Study Sessions
   They study in intervals with breaks, avoiding long, continuous hours that often lead to burnout and reduced productivity.
3. No Excuses, Just Effort
   Good students understand the value of perseverance. Even when bored, they push through to complete their work without relying on excuses.
4. Engagement in Activities
   They participate in various activities, leveraging diverse experiences to develop multiple ways of thinking, a trait shared by many intelligent individuals.
5. Positive Mindset
   Complaining doesn’t fit their routine. Instead, they focus on solutions, either changing what they dislike or ignoring it to save time and energy.
6. Self-Assessment
   Regular self-checks enhance their understanding and help connect new knowledge with existing information. Repetition solidifies learning, improving sharpness and retention.
7. Taking Responsibility
   They take ownership of their learning journey, acknowledging both what they know and what they need to work on.
8. Curiosity and Questions
   Good students actively seek answers, whether through discussions or simple Google searches to resolve doubts.
9. Focus on Key Topics
   They identify and master the essential 20% of material that impacts 80% of their grades, avoiding time-wasting rote memorization.
10. Effective Class Time
    They utilize classroom sessions productively, making the most of the time spent with teachers.
11. Adequate Rest
    High-performing students balance intense work periods (4-6 hours daily) with quality sleep (up to 9 hours), vital for optimal performance.
12. In-Depth Reading
    They go beyond textbooks, exploring different perspectives to enrich their understanding of topics.
13. Learning from Mistakes
    Reviewing and correcting errors, such as those in exams, is a key habit for consistent improvement.

The Role of Parents in Academic Success

Parents play a critical role in helping children organize their study routines effectively. They should encourage their children to:

• Find a study space they enjoy.
• Determine their preferred study time.
• Stay focused on their tasks.
• Take regular short breaks.
• Plan their tasks before starting.
• Keep all necessary materials within reach.

Parents must avoid equating being a “good student” with being a “good child.” A school failure should never diminish parental love. Instead, parents should offer support, understanding, and encouragement, creating an environment where children feel safe to ask for help and persist through challenges.

Ultimately, a truly “good student” thrives not just in academics but across all areas of life.