As a parent, you understand the challenge of getting your child to focus on homework. However, establishing good study habits doesn’t have to be a battle. Dr. Rick Graebe, FCOVD, a pediatric eye doctor in Versailles, Kentucky, has some expert tips that can help turn homework time into a more productive and less stressful experience by optimizing your child’s visual and sensory systems.
Set the Right Environment
Creating a designated study space is the first step in improving homework habits. This should be a quiet, consistent place where your child can focus without distractions. According to Dr. Graebe, “Routine helps get their body and brain prepped and ready for work.” The environment itself plays a crucial role in how efficiently your child can study. Make sure the area is quiet, free from distractions, and well-lit.
Posture and Setup Matter
Proper posture is essential for maintaining focus during study time. Dr. Graebe emphasizes the importance of using a chair that fits your child’s body, allowing their feet to touch the ground and their back to remain straight. This helps reduce restlessness or what Dr. Graebe calls “the wiggles,” allowing them to concentrate better on the task at hand. Books should also be positioned directly in front of your child and angled at 23 degrees to create an optimal line of sight.
Lighting is Key
Lighting plays an often-overlooked role in how well children can focus on their homework. Dr. Graebe recommends using full-spectrum light bulbs or OttLites, which mimic natural sunlight and help reduce eye strain. This type of lighting supports the visual system, making it easier for your child to concentrate on their work.
As Dr. Graebe explains, color perception and visual comfort are enhanced under natural lighting conditions, which is why these light sources are so effective for study sessions.
Manage Auditory Distractions
Beyond the visual setup, auditory distractions can hinder your child’s ability to focus. Dr. Graebe suggests using auditory beat apps that can be downloaded for free on most smartphones. These apps send subtle pulses of sound that help sync different parts of the brain, making it easier for your child to concentrate and process information.
“This technique changes the sensory input to maximize the brain for learning,” Dr. Graebe says, underscoring the importance of creating the right sensory environment for studying.
When to Consider Professional Help
If, after implementing these strategies, your child continues to struggle with homework, there could be a deeper issue at play. Many children experience vision problems that aren’t easily identified in standard eye exams, such as binocular vision dysfunction. This condition can make reading and other close-up tasks challenging, but the good news is that it can be corrected with vision therapy.
Dr. Graebe specializes in diagnosing and treating these kinds of vision issues through tailored programs designed to improve your child’s visual skills and academic performance.
Schedule a Vision Evaluation Today
Helping your child develop effective homework habits starts with optimizing their visual and sensory environments. With tips from pediatric eye specialist Dr. Rick Graebe, FCOVD, you can create a study space that promotes focus and productivity. If your child is still having trouble concentrating, it may be time for a comprehensive vision evaluation.
To schedule an appointment at our Versailles or Somerset locations, call us at 859-879-0089 today.
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This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.