Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
Gleaner Spelling Bee champion Rosanna Pike gets a welcome honour during a motorcade in her Waterhouse community in St. Andrew recently. Her mother Sheryl Bennett sets up a chart with chores and study time for the champion and her brothers. - NORMAN GRINDLEY/DEPUTY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
AN EXCEPTIONAL few among the children of the world like to study. But with examinations at all levels either coming soon or here already, this is the time of year where there's plenty of book work to be done. For parents, it can take some doing to get the children to 'beat the books'.
"My child always chooses to study at the last minute. So the things that could have been done weeks ago are crammed into one night," laments Samantha, mother to a 14-year-old girl. She pointed out that sometimes she has to read to Giovannato get her interested. When that doesn't work or when Samantha is too tired, some old-fashioned brute force is sometimes necessary.
"I use threats, not bribes. I tell her that if at the end of high school she doesn't have at least four subjects, which is lenient, I am giving her a bag of banana chips to go downtown and sell," she stated very seriously.
Dr. Keturah Wilson, counselling psychologist at the Mico Care Centre, described how parents can ease the worry about studying.
"First, create a study environment. Don't just tell them, go study. Children see homework and study as punishment, so they prefer the television because it's comfortable," she said.
SPELLING BEE CHAMPION
Sheryl Bennett, mother of current Spelling Bee champion Rosanna Pike and three rambunctious boys, set up a chart which has house chores and study time.
"Sometimes you have to be right behind them to make sure they comply, but they know their duties. Sometimes they need help so they come to me, and if I can assist I do," she said.
A study timetable is exactly what Dr. Wilson thinks is effective.
"Plan the timetable with your children. They are never too young; don't think it's just for teenagers," she said.
She cautioned that parents should supervise rather than do the work for the child. She advocated for parents to ensure the work is finished and then follow up to see the grades. She doesn't promise a quick fix, noting that making studying a habit is a process. She also expounds the benefits of positive encouragement.
"Allow them (children) to know their worth. Recognise the improvements and efforts they are making," she concluded.
