Trying to get a child to focus on schoolwork at home can feel like a daily negotiation. Screens, distractions, and the comfort of home make motivation drop quickly. With schools and kindergartens in the UAE continuing distance learning until April 17, many families are facing the same challenges.

A few practical changes can make study time more structured and easier to handle. Here are five tips parents can try.

1. Create a dedicated study spot

Using the same spot each time helps build focus during remote learning. Over time, it starts to feel like a work zone. What could work? A desk by the window, one end of the dining table, or a small corner set up for studying. There’s no need for a separate room if space is limited.

For teens, it helps if the space feels personal: pick a lamp they like, something on the wall, or even a small plant.

2. Clear the mess before starting

A cluttered desk makes it harder to focus. There’s always something else distracting kids. Even a phone charger or headphones can somehow become more interesting than the actual work. Leave only what’s needed for studying and clear everything else.

3. Keep phones out of reach

Phones are the easiest way to lose focus, even when they’re not being used. Just having one nearby can be distracting. Keeping it in another room or out of sight removes that temptation. It also helps to remind your child they’re not missing anything important, and the phone will still be there after the study session.

And if nothing seems to work, temporary parental controls during study time can help keep things on track.

4. Make the space comfortable

If the lighting is poor or the room is too hot or too cold, focus drops and kids get tired quicker. Too dark, and they start squinting. A decent lamp in the evening and some natural light during the day help.

Too warm or too cold, and attention shifts away from the task. Ask your child what feels comfortable for them.

A light scent can help some kids settle into study mode. Try something simple like citrus or mint, nothing strong.

5. Don’t stretch study time too long

Focus fades in everyone, but it happens faster with kids: that’s why school lessons are broken up with breaks. Try 25 to 45 minutes of work, then a proper break.

Getting up and moving around helps them come back with a clearer head. You can pick from these 12 easy activities to do at home: from light stretching to a quick dance break.