As the school year begins to wind down, the pressures often begin to wind up! Our kids are pulled in many different directions with end-of-the year parties, performances, and exams. Here are 10 tips to help you help them keep it all together and finish the school year strong.
1. Be the anxiety killer!
This time of year, many students get stressed especially about exams and the load of responsibilities placed on them in the classroom. Help relieve their anxieties. Remind them that they’ve got this and that you are proud of them. Work hard to ease tension in the home. Routine will be important for them during this time when much is on your child’s plate.
2. Control the calendar, or it will control you.
The end-of-the school year often included banquets, concerts, performances, talent shows and more. Remember, it’s okay to say “no.”
3. Protect family time.
Nothing is more important than your time together as a family. The foundation of our children’s confidence comes from the stability of home life. Make sure to make family time a priority during this stressful time of the school year.
4. Movie night is always right!
Take a break from studying and head to the theatre with your family. In case you haven’t heard, there is a really big movie hitting the screen this weekend that involves just about every Marvel superhero in the business!
5. Schedule teacher meetings.
If your student needs a little help with a subject, don’t be afraid to reach out to a teacher for help. We have found that the teachers at Bailey and Brynnan’s school are always wiling to talk and help the girls work through any classroom challenges. If they need a little help, schedule time with a teacher, guidance counselor, or tutor.
6. Register for summer camps.
Of course, I am a huge advocate of summer camps. My summer is spent traveling and speaking at camps across America. My girls travel with me to almost all of them. I have seen first-hand the impact summer camp has on my girls and teens everywhere! Camp gives our kids an opportunity to get away from the routine, learn independence, and make new friends. If your kid(s) play sports, they probably have summer workout responsibilities at school. My girls do. However, each school is required to allow time off from workouts to attend at least one week of camp. If you haven’t registered for summer camp, it’s not too late!
7. Say “thank you.”
Encourage your child to send a “thank you” note to each teacher. And, if they deliver the note in a timely manner, say before final exams…you just never know!
8. Share some love.
In this ever-shifting culture, our kids are pulled in a plethora of directions. A tremendous amount of pressure is placed upon them to perform at a high-level in the classroom. It’s no wonder so many millennials are stressed. Take time to express to your child how proud you are of them. With so many responsibilities on them, share some love with your child. Write them a note. Take them to dinner. Verbally express how much you love them, are thankful for them, and are honored to be their parent.
9. Party time!
Plan a party in the backyard. Our family actually has one planned for this weekend. Just about the entire high school will be in our backyard Saturday night. We are always looking for ways to encourage our daughter’s to enjoy time with their friends in a safe environment. Throwing a party at your house will (hopefully) ensure that your kids are in a safe place. It will also remind your child, and their friends, that fun can be had without alcohol in the mix.
10. Celebrate as a family.
The last day of school marks a milestone in your kid’s life and in yours. It’s a big deal. So, enjoy! Plan a trip, a night out, or a big dinner. Celebrate the successes of the year. While you are celebrating, take time to have each family member verbalize a special moment in the school year that made for a great year.
[Jeffrey Dean is one of the top motivational speakers in the country. He has spoken to over 4 million throughout the United Staes, Mexico, Panama, Canada, Haiti, and Guatemala. Jeffrey Dean has extensive experience powerfully affecting the lives of people of all ages. Do you need a Christian speaker for an event? Contact us to schedule your next church or other event…]
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