WASHINGTON — It’s that time of year: Kids are starting to get antsy as the end of the school year closes in. But some back-to-basics ideas might help refocus them until summer break.
“Parents are losing steam too, so one thing you can do is establish old routines that may have worked well at beginning of the school year,” says Ann Dolin, president of Education Connections Tutoring.
She offered tips to get through the final month (or so) of school, such as going back to a set bedtime or posting expectations of when homework and chores will be done.
“This could be as simple as a checklist on the door or a routine posted on the fridge. Visual reminders reduce the chance what you say goes in one ear and out the other,” Dolan says.
She also says that when kids know everyone in the house has their electronic devices off, there will be less temptation to look at a screen rather than study. Dolan suggests setting a time every night — for example, from 8 to 8:45 p.m. — when everyone at home is tablet-, phone- and TV-free.
If your kids are slacking on a big project and you feel like you’re starting to nag them, she suggests writing up a contract.
“You can phrase it as, ‘If I see you have a plan, that’ll make me feel better,'” Dolin says. “Then ask, ‘When should we check in with each other?'”
Dolin says that will help the child feel accountable.
Other ideas, from Thinking Caps Tutoring:
- Make a list of your kid’s accomplishments.
- Set rewards that focus on family, such as a movie night or solo time with mom or dad.
- Create a study zone in your home where distractions are minimized.
- Build in a break time where kids can choose how they unwind.
- Set realistic study goals, especially for an upcoming test or project.