We all know how important it is for children to have proper study habits. After all, their success in school – and in life, later on – will partly depend on how well they manage their study time. Children with good study skills are also more likely to increase their confidence and feeling of competence as they continuously learn new things. They tend to approach their schoolwork with a positive attitude, rather than a negative, anxious one.

Every parent has his or her own methods for creating ideal study conditions – like restricting access to TV and computer games, designating specific areas for homework, creating a regular schedule around study time, even outright bribery (offering toys, sweets, etc.). Yet, because each child is a unique individual, different techniques and motivations often have to be devised even in a single household.

But some factors in developing and maintaining good study habits are universal for all children – sufficient sleep, plenty of exercise and a proper diet.

SLEEP TIGHT

Researchers at Tel Aviv University in Israel have learned that even losing an hour's sleep every night can have noticeable effects on a child's mental performance. One study examined the sleeping habits of 77 children: those who got less sleep performed poorly in tests of mental sharpness, reaction times and memory. The sleep-deprived children also tended to be more irritable and displayed shorter attention spans. One conclusion that the researchers drew is the importance of keeping the bedroom a place of rest and tranquility by keeping out items that keep a child awake, such as computers and televisions.

A HEALTHY MIND IN A HEALTHY BODY

An hour of playing basketball may not sound like an ideal method of promoting good study habits, but research shows that physical exercise boosts brain function, improves mood, and increases learning capacity. Physical exercise benefits the brain by improving blood flow and spurring cell growth. It also increases levels of a brain-cell growth hormone and has positive effects on mood-altering brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters.
In addition, physical exercise ensures good muscle development, improves bone density and helps prevent childhood obesity.

EATING RIGHT

Diet plays a key role in a child's brain development – and thus in study habits as well. Essential to brain growth are fats, proteins and carbohydrates, as well as micronutrients. While the word “fat” has negative associations these days, growing children need an ample supply of this nutrient (yes, fat IS a nutrient!). Healthy sources of fat include raw or dry roasted nuts, avocados, fresh coconut, and extra virgin olive oil.

Proteins are another important brain food, found in meat, fish, eggs meat and legumes (especially beans). In the body, proteins turn into essential amino acids that are critical in cell growth.

Carbohydrates are very important in maintaining adequate levels of the brain fuel glucose, so it's important for children to have a steady supply. Because carbohydrates are processed quickly by the body, poor concentration and low energy levels can result from long gaps between meals. So it's actually a GOOD idea to provide you child with (healthy) snacks just before or during study time to keep their brains sharp. Another way to prevent these sudden changes in energy levels is to combine carbohydrates with protein foods – eggs with toast,
burgers with potatoes or pork and beans.

HUNT'S PORK AND BEANS are an excellent source of the essential nutrients needed by growing minds - Magnesium, Iron, Protein, Lycopene, Flavonoids and Carbohydrates. Easy to prepare and delicious straight from the can, Hunt's Pork and Beans are a yummy companion to your child's favorite foods, like hotdogs, eggs or ham. And, Hunt's Pork and Beans help provide additional nourishment for extra brainpower – and better study habits!

This entry was posted on Friday, February 17th, 2006 at 3:48 pm and is filed under Hunt's. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.