They spend so many hours in school, so most likely the last thing your teen wants to do when they get home is to study. But while elementary school assignments were often easier, middle school and high school are a different story — tests get tougher, and studying outside the classroom becomes essential.
Although some students adapt easily to this transition, others need a little extra guidance. Even if you’re not a teacher, these study hacks can set your child up for scholarly success.
Have a Conversation
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Yes, there are countless study hacks for teens, but before implementing any of them, sit down with your child to talk about how they’d like your support, if at all. “Give your kid the space that gives them the voice and input in their decision making,” says Kristina Dingus Keuhlen, PhD, a licensed marriage and family therapist supervisor.
That might mean a quick morning check-in or reviewing what assignments they need to prepare for Monday’s math test. “These can be informal, two-minute chats at the kitchen counter,” adds Jamey Maniscalco, PhD, an associate professor at Regis University and founder of Manifest Wellness. “No lecturing — just curiosity and support.”
Create Structure
Sure, life is busy, and no two days are ever exactly the same. Still, if your child is hitting the books at inconsistent hours, studying can quickly feel scattered — and less effective. “For your teen to get the most out of their study sessions, a set schedule is key,” advises Keuhlen.
While mapping out the entire month might feel overwhelming, looking at the week ahead and identifying more urgent assignments can be more manageable. And if something comes up — like a shift at their part-time job or a school event that they simply can't skip — be flexible and help them adjust their plan accordingly.
Encourage a Slow Start to Studying
Prepping for a quiz can seem like no big deal — until your teen pulls out their textbooks and notes and the anxiety starts to build. “Starting a task is often the hardest part for teens, especially when they feel anxious,” says Maniscalco. Help them ease in by finding easier entry points, such as clearing off their desk to reduce distractions or focusing on just one chapter at a time. Trying to tackle everything at once can feel overwhelming and lead to avoidance.
Empower Your Teen to Be Resourceful
It’s hard for any parent to watch their child struggle. So if your teen feels stuck — say, in their Shakespeare class — offer options that align their strengths with effective study strategies. “Instead of just reviewing material, teach teens to coach themselves through it,” advises Risa Williams, a psychotherapist and author of Get Stuff Done Without the Stress.
“Using color-coded sticky notes, timelines on whiteboards, or physical flashcards they create themselves makes studying tactile, visual, and engaging. That builds memory and ownership of their learning.”
Schedule Breaks
When your teen wants to get studying over with, they might plow through the pages without actually absorbing anything. One solution: step away for a bit. “Encourage short movement breaks every 45–60 minutes — think jumping jacks, doodling, or a walk around the block,” says Donna Paul, a trained Montessori elementary teacher.
“It resets their brain and increases retention when they return to the material.” Set a timer if you’re worried they’ll lose track of time during their downtime — and start watching Netflix instead.
Match the Energy to the Assignment
Your teen might be energized by their tech class, but biology? Not so much. Their energy level can make all the difference between getting a B or a D. Williams calls this approach “The Task Intensity Meter.”
“Your child can rate each task as low, medium, or high intensity,” she explains. “The level of intensity reflects how stressed a subject makes them feel. If social studies is a stumbling block, it might not be the best subject to start with. Or, if your teen is at their best in the a.m., that’s the ideal time to advise your adolescent to tackle their toughest material.”
Make a Done List
There’s nothing more satisfying than checking off a task. But traditional to-do lists can feel endless and discouraging. Enter the done list, which celebrates your child’s successes each time they complete something. “A done list focuses on accomplishments of all sizes instead of unfinished tasks,” says Maniscalco. The best part is that this progress builds self-esteem and helps teens stay motivated, even when there’s still work ahead.
Get Your Child in the Zone
Studying can be stressful — so it’s no surprise your teen might prefer to curl up under the covers. Unfortunately, that’s not ideal for retaining what they’re learning. “The brain forms strong associations with physical spaces,” says Maniscalco. “Studying in bed can make it harder to focus and can also disrupt sleep.” Instead, choose a brightly lit area with a supportive chair that encourages good posture and reduces the temptation to doze off.
But that doesn’t mean their study space has to feel sterile. Creating a soothing environment specific to study time can boost focus (and dare we say, maybe even make studying fun). “The brain loves patterns, so repeating a sensory cue — like playing the same instrumental playlist, lighting a particular candle, or sipping a designated drink — can train the brain to associate that cue with focus time,” Maniscalco explains.
Offer a Check-In — But Only If They Want It
Your teen might feel uneasy if they have to report exactly how much material they covered during their study session. Even though many teens struggle with self-monitoring — an executive function skill that develops in young adulthood — a formal accounting of every detail can backfire. An informal — and very brief — post-study check-in often works better. Remember, it’s the quality of studying (and your child's overall academic effort to do their best) that matters the most.
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