Teen Won’t Study for Finals? Here’s How to Motivate Them!

With just a few weeks left until the crucial final exams, your teenager should be hitting the books hard! Unfortunately, that’s not happening. How can you motivate them to study? How can you help them maximize their chances of doing well on the exams? What should you do if they refuse to study? Insights from parents and advice from Isabelle Dumas, an educational expert at the tutoring service Cours Ado, and Linda Lacorde, a guidance counselor and psychologist, are here to help.

What Should I Do If My Teen Stops Studying?

“My child is a month away from exams and has stopped reviewing his coursework. How can I instill a love of studying in my child?” – Francis

“A love for studying comes with motivation. Have a thorough discussion with them about their future aspirations and in the meantime assist them with their studies, starting with the easier topics. Don’t put too much pressure on them; they might be stressed without showing it… Usually, these strategies help them regain confidence, and the motivation will follow,” explains the educational counselor. If they are very self-doubting, you can talk to one of their high school teachers or a professional at the career information center (CIO). If you’re worried about their exam success, it’s crucial to reassure them that there are various ways to bounce back. And if they don’t pass, don’t make it a catastrophe: there are other paths they can take (repeating the year, trying a different exam…). Most importantly, the teen must know they are not alone, otherwise, they might perceive it as indifference. “Parents need to show they care. They should approach their child, asking if everything is okay, how they’re feeling, if they need help… But it can also come from the teenager. Parental involvement is akin to being a supportive co-driver!“, illustrates Linda Lacorde.

What If My Teen Won’t Study?

“I’m really worried because my son isn’t studying for his French tests. He’s in his first year of advanced sciences and does nothing in class!! I’ve tried getting him private tutors, but he doesn’t listen. What should I do?” – Mounia11

“If he has been performing well up until now, he shouldn’t have trouble passing his exams. Trust him: he knows what he’s doing and if you force him to study, he will do it poorly,” advises Isabelle Dumas. Although it’s stressful to think about him not studying, it’s important to give him some freedom. Boundaries are necessary, but they also need time to relax occasionally. Therefore, it’s crucial to communicate and ask how he plans his studies, if he feels stressed. Assist him in finding the right study methods, help organize his studies, make study guides, or review past exams with him. In any case, it’s vital to let the teenager be autonomous and not to over-exert parental authority, as teens are particularly sensitive to how they are spoken to and viewed, adds the guidance counselor.

How Can I Re-Motivate Them?

“My 18-year-old daughter is preparing for her finals this year. She can’t seem to motivate herself to study, even though she’s just a month away from the exam. I’m not sure how to help her because when she starts studying too late, she gets stressed about not remembering what she’s learned (she already failed the mock exams…). She should be more than motivated since she got into the prep school she wanted. I think everything has been too easy for her so far, and she doesn’t understand the concept of effort, and I don’t know how to teach it to her.” – Gigidu17

“Don’t stress her out too much; it’s often counterproductive, especially if it comes from the outside! Her acceptance into the prep class is an opportunity to approach studying differently. Plan out the subjects that will be covered next year, possibly with a private tutor familiar with coaching final-year students, to ensure the upcoming year goes smoothly. This will give her a new perspective and better prepare her for the exams. Once the lessons are organized, let her manage without imposing anything,” responds the expert.