Your tween has been in school for a few months now, and they’ve enjoyed the holidays, and now it’s time to get back on a regular schedule. The middle of the school year is usually when kids hit a slump and lose their excitement about the school year and just want it to be over, but there are some things you can do to help them through this rough patch so they press on with their schoolwork.
Nutrition
A healthy diet makes all the difference, especially with the changes their bodies are going through during this time. Starting the day off with a healthy breakfast is essential for having a clear mind for learning. If your tween is one that doesn’t like a big breakfast, consider packing some snacks for them like some almonds, grapes, cheese, and wheat crackers. Also, be sure they are well hydrated and drink a glass of water first thing in the morning that will also help them to wake up. Herbal tea is also a good idea for mornings, especially when it is cold. Just try to stay away from sugary foods in the morning that will give them temporary energy, and they’ll crash about the time they get to school and not feel like doing much.
Time to Relax
Like the rest of us, tweens are tired after the holidays and need some downtime. Allow them some time alone to do what they want to do, be it watch a movie on Netflix or read a book in their room. Try to schedule this time for them to recharge since school takes up most of their time during the daytime hours, and then there’s homework and extra-curricular activities.
Strict Schedule
Sticking to a schedule is important to your tween. They should get up at the same time each day, go to bed at the same time, schedule time for homework and other activities. This makes the school year a little less daunting because they get used to the schedule. Some flexibility is allowed on weekends, which would be a good time to schedule the time to relax that is mentioned above.
Family Time
While some alone time is suggested, it is also important to have family time. Kids who eat dinner with their family make better grades in school, among other positive impact that you can read about here. The dinner table is also a good place to discuss their school day and spend some quality time together. Even if due to schedules you have a difficult time sitting down together every night, do it as often as possible.
Family game nights are also a good way to interact to have some fun while talking about school and what is going on with their friends. Board games, cards, and charades are good ideas, but you might skip a movie night for family night because there isn’t much talking during a movie. Save that for a rainy or snowy weekend afternoon.