How to Keep Kids Engaged Before Spring Break

Do you remember how long the stretch between Christmas and Spring Break felt when you were elementary school? It was forever. (Especially if you grew up in a region with cold temperatures and blustery weather. Childhood spring fever is strong!) It’s completely natural for kids to get more restless and antsy as their school break approaches, but here are a few things you can do to help your child stay focused before class lets out.

1. Level with them. We all know what a relief it is when someone names the elephant in the room. It’s okay to say what is true with your kids: “Look, I know we’re all ready for a break, I am too. And I know you’re excited about Spring Break because we’re going to do X… But it’s important that we keep our heads in the game until then. Make sure you’re doing your best to pay attention and stay focused in class. I’m going to do the same at work. We’re almost there. We can do it!”
2. Encourage them to exercise in the off time. The benefit of warmer weather is that your kids can burn more energy outdoors – during recess or breaks, and once they’ve returned home in the evening. The more steam they can blow off at the proper times, the better they’ll sleep, and the easier it will be to focus in the classroom.
3. Use timers and calendars to help. Small kids who are just learning the concept of time benefit from reviewing a calendar with you. Let them cross out squares as they count down the days or create a paper chain and let them tear a loop each day. For bigger kids, set timers to let them know when they should switch from evening screen time to homework, to keep them on task and focused.
4. Keep your routine. As the sun sets later in the day, it may be tempting to push dinner or bedtime too. Help your kids keep a consistent schedule to reiterate that you’re still in school-zone.
5. Reduce stressors at home. Most people tackle house projects and deep clean in the Springtime. If there are any smaller tasks you can do now to quiet your environment at home, you should try. Carve out an evening to tackle the mound of papers on your counter or desk or pack away any stray winter decorations that may still be hanging around. If you reset and simplify your space at home, it will do the same for your perspective (and your child’s).