Finish Your Child’s School Year Strong!

Are you tired of fighting your children to do homework? We all know the answer to that question! Spring Fever, we have all experienced this as parents. The temperature outside is getting warmer and the days are getting longer. There are many distractions that your children are exposed to at the end of the school year. To keep them focused, we as parents need to stay patient and help them work through ending the year strong.

Here are a few tips to help keep your kids focused and finish the year strong!

1. Stick to your routine. We are all creatures of habit and sticking to a well-established routine is one key to a smooth-running household.

2. Don’t skip school unnecessarily. Things can come up in the spring and it can be tempting to let your child lay out of school here and there. The more you do this, the more your kids will want to stay out, and a vicious cycle ensues. Send them to school and you send a strong message to your children about keeping their obligations.

3. Keep bedtime consistent. With the days getting longer, the evening can sneak up on you pretty quickly and it might seem earlier than it really is. In concert with routines, keep an eye on the clock and make sure your kids get their normal night of sleep.

4. Encourage outdoor play. Playing in the yard or with the neighborhood kids is a way to burn off that energy and buy you some peace and quiet in the afternoons. Use the warm weather and longer days to your advantage. Join them for some family fun and fitness.

5. Openly plan your summer vacations and fun. If your children have something to look forward to upon completion of the school year, it could sustain them through the rest of the year and give them something to work towards.

6. Be supportive of your teachers and school. Teachers are most effective when they have the full support and backing of parents, and this time of year is even more critical to have that cooperation. Have your child do their homework and study for upcoming tests. Keep the lines of communication open and be involved whenever you can as a parent.

7. Use praise, rewards and incentives liberally. Children respond very favorably when appropriate levels of incentive are given for doing the right things. When you catch your child doing something good, or getting compliments from their teacher, or bringing home good grades, let them know you appreciate it.

8. Don’t hesitate to seek outside tutoring. If your child needs homework support, or help staying motivated, or needs a boost to raise lagging skills or grades, you know who to call to help finish up the school year and keep on working throughout the summer! Call WSEA to help you! 630-922-8100.