Get enough sleep, nutrition and exercise

Adults need at least eight hours of sleep to function well. So, what about our kids? It's a well-documented fact that kids who get a full, restful sleep at night are better able to complete the tasks they need when they are awake during the day.Says Dr Chng Seo Yi, a consultant paediatrician at the National University Hospital's (NUH) University Children's Medical Institute, "Pre-school children should get about 12 hours of sleep a day, and school-age children, around 10 hours. However, due to the busy schedules of working parents, many children probably stay up late to spend time with their parents when they return home. These kids then wake up early to go to school the next day," she said.Besides keeping your child well-rested, don't underestimate the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle. A nutritious diet and exercise will boost your child's energy levels so he will learn better. For instance, instead of feeding your childempty calories such as sweets, cream biscuits, chocolates and sweetened drinks, switch to healthier snacks like fruits, raisins and nuts. If you spend your "family time" in front of the TV, turn off the TV for a change, go out, play a badminton game, cycle in the park or go for a swim. Health Promotion Board's website (www.hpb.gov.sg) has many useful tips on nutrition for children as well as fun ways to exercise as a family.

Reading for success

Tired from the day's routine, you may be tempted to skip reading bedtime stories to your child. Don't! Studies show that reading significantly increases your child's potential for success in school and in life. It helps children to master languages, builds listening skills, increases their attention spans and develops their ability to concentrate. Reading to young children stimulates their development and gives them a head start when they reach school. Just look at Natasha Nabila Muhammad Nasir, the top scorer for 2007'sPrimary School Leaving Examination, who says, "The secret of my success is reading. I have been reading since I was two years old and I think that has helped me a lot. Through reading, I gained a lot of knowledge." When you read to your child, your child learns how to read. On top of that, it's a wonderful way to bond with children and to show how important they are to us! Lastly, remember the golden rule to creating the best learning environment for your child: nothing motivates your child better than your loving attention! So, give him lots of it! 

How Did She Do It?

When Natasha Nabila Muhammad Nasir, a student from St Hilda's Primary scored an aggregate score of 294, she set a record as having achieved the highest marks in the 18 years since the current PSLE system wasimplemented in 1991. The 14-year-old is now in Raffles Girls' School (Secondary). So, what is the secret to her success? Her mum, Mdm Zaharah Othman, 44, offers the following tips for creating a learning environment:

1. Inculcate the reading habit

I started my two kids reading from young. We visit the library so frequently that the librarian knows our faces. Since young, we've been rewarding them byletting them have books of their own choice. We also started a home library for them. My kids go everywhere with books. They never leave home without them. It's something they choose to do on their own.

2. Daily revision

When my kids come back from school, we will go through what they did for the day. Iâ'll ask them if they understood the lesson. If they didn't, I'll tackle it there and then, rather than wait till exam time comes.

3. Conducive study environment

They have a proper study place away from the television. I draw up a study time-table for them. They only watch television when their favourite programme is on, or when there's an educational programme, and that's not every day. 

4. Nutrition

Health supplements such as multivitamins are helpful. I find fish oil useful for improving concentration, especially when given over a long period of time.

5. Be there for them

The most important thing is to be there for them whenever they need you. Whenever they have something they can't solve or need someone to talk to, you're there to help or listen so they don't give up or get frustrated. This gives them a sense of security which is crucial for the development of your child.

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