How to Make Your Child Actually Enjoy Reviewing

Why Reviewing Feels Like a Battle

You’re tired. Your child is tired. It’s 7:30 p.m., homework is technically “done,” but now comes the dreaded review—and you’re bracing for the sigh, the groan, or the full-on meltdown. You know they need the practice to truly absorb what they learned in school, but they just can’t bring themselves to care. Worse yet, you find yourself turning into the drill sergeant you always swore you wouldn’t become.

You’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong. Many children between 6 and 12 struggle with reviewing because to them, it feels repetitive, dull, and worst of all—pointless. So how do you turn review time into something they not only tolerate, but actually enjoy?

Start With the “Why”

Children, especially those battling learning challenges or school-related stress, need to understand why reviewing matters. Telling them it’s “important” is too abstract. Instead, bring the stakes down to their level. Explain that reviewing isn't about pleasing a teacher—it's about training their brain, like a game or a sport.

One dad I know told his son, “Your brain is like Spider-Man’s web-shooters. If you don't recharge them, they stop working when you really need them.” That little shift in metaphor turned review time into “superpower training.” Think playful, not punitive.

Embed Review Into Their World

Expecting your child to sit still and focus while you wave flashcards in front of them isn’t always realistic—especially after a long school day. Meet them where they are instead. If your child is a reluctant reader but loves stories, turn vocabulary or history notes into short narratives. One mom told me how she recast her daughter’s science notes as a mystery story, making her the detective. Suddenly, reviewing was something to look forward to.

For auditory learners or kids who struggle with traditional study methods, try transforming their lessons into audio, especially if car rides or bedtime are part of your routine. One mom shared how using an app to turn her child's math notes into an audio adventure—where her son battled space pirates with multiplication—made review time a highlight of the week. (Some tools, like the Sculi app, let you do exactly that by turning written lessons into audio adventures using your child’s first name—pure magic for reluctant reviewers.)

Make Review an Interactive Experience

If reviewing feels static, it’s because it is. Kids crave interactivity—and not just screen-based. Games, challenges, and even old-fashioned roleplay can make a world of difference.

Instead of asking them to recite times tables, challenge them to “beat the timer” or be the “quiz master” for you. Let them test your knowledge, even if you pretend to get answers wrong here and there. When kids are in control of the content—even if only for a few minutes—it changes their relationship to the review.

By the way, quizzes don’t have to be long or formal. A quick, well-crafted set of questions based on that day’s lesson can reinforce long-term retention significantly. (Curious how to create meaningful quizzes? This guide to using quizzes for memory is full of insights.)

Let Their Brain Lead

Some children avoid reviewing not because they’re lazy but because their brain has already shut the door for the day. Ever notice how your child remembers the start of the lesson but forgets the ending? That’s not stubbornness—it’s biology. The brain favors the beginning and the end of information chunks.

In this case, shorter, spaced-out reviews are your best bet. Instead of one long review session, aim for quick connections throughout the day: a joke based on their spelling word during breakfast, a drawing of a key math concept after school, a bedtime recap. You’ll find more strategies in this deep dive on memory retention.

For When They Refuse

Sometimes, the pushback is complete: “I’m not doing it!” If you’re hitting that wall, it’s important to step back, not dig in deeper. Review what else might be going on. Is it anxiety about failure? Embarrassment over not understanding the material? Mental or sensory overload?

Try approaching them with curiosity instead of control. Say, “I noticed reviewing feels really hard for you lately. What’s going on in your head when we sit down together?” Sometimes just feeling understood makes a child more open to problem-solving. For more support, this compassionate resource on what to do if your child refuses to do homework is worth a read.

When It All Comes Together

Reviewing doesn’t have to be dry or demoralizing. When you use creative, student-centered tools and lean into your child’s natural interests—whether that’s storytelling, competition, sound, or taking charge—you shift the dynamic. You move from resistance to connection.

And on the days it still doesn’t work? That’s okay too. Your child is learning far more from your patience, consistency and empathy than you realize. You’re playing the long game here—not just raising a better student, but a more resilient and curious human being.