While the perfect cure for Spring Fever has not yet been developed, methods to minimize its impact are listed below. 

      1.  Go outside. Once the sun (bright yellow ball in the sky that emits heat and light) starts shining, hit the door running. Add extra time for play outside and, if you can, take your work/homework outside to a picnic table or blanket on the lawn. 

      2.      Hold down the fort. Continue to set firm but loving boundaries and routines with your children; but recognize that it IS normal for everyone to feel a little burned-out and tired at this point. So pour on the love and talk candidly about what is going on.

      3.      Eat healthy. Take advantage of the sweet fruits and crisp, colorful veggies that are now in season. Keep minds sharp and bodies healthy with a combination of lean protein and nature’s vitamin-rich treats. Standardized testing and finals begin soon. Healthy diets and plenty of rest can help our kids fight stress and do their best on these rigorous tests. 

      4.      Tie up loose ends. We want to enter the summer with NO REGRETS. There is still time to share your concerns, questions, suggestions, and praises with teachers, administrators and children. Write a note, make a phone call or visit in person. Constructive feedback is worth its weight in gold. Also, use the information you got at Parent-Teacher conferences to help your child reassess achievable goals for the last quarter. Prioritize to keep goals realistic and manageable.

      5.    Focus on today and “…do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself.”  Matthew 6:34. Better yet, celebrate each day by letting God surprise you with the incredible wonders of Spring.

      As I wrap up my typing, I see the sun peeking through my window. My ability to type is fading…my focus is clouding…ants are invading…I must…go……..outside!  Hope to see you there!    

SUPPORT your child with the basics. 1. After school, offer a healthy (low-sugar, high- protein) snack for refueling. 2. Allow 20-30 minutes of individualized “unwind time” before hitting the books. This can look different for each child. While Julie may retreat to a quiet spot alone, Jake may race off to climb trees and wildly shout at neighbors. 3.Create a study environment that matches personal learning styles. For example, prop me up on a carpeted floor in a quite room, and I can study for hours. But my son focuses best at a well-lit desk with music playing in the background.

IDENTIFY the work to be tackled. Ask your child to read and explain each assignment to you. Are the directions clear? Did the necessary books and papers make it home? Does your child need help writing down and organizing assignments? A teacher conference may be just the remedy.

MOTIVATE “Feel free to (insert favorite after-school activity here) as soon as your homework is finished,” is a golden, empowering statement. And “I’ll be happy to discuss that after you do homework,” can prevent an impending argument.

PRIORITIZE Teach your child to prioritize multiple tasks by asking leading questions. “Would you like to tackle the hardest subject first or warm up with an easier one?” “This book report is too complicated to complete in one night. How can you break it down into smaller pieces?” Write down due dates and milestones as visual reminders.

LOVE your child always, but reject inappropriate behavior. If study frustrations lead to a flaring temper, show empathy while setting clear boundaries. “I can see how frustrated you are about that tough math problem. I’ll be glad to help you as soon as you lower your voice and sit back down.”

ENCOURAGE: Be genuine and praise specific behaviors. “Good Job!” is not nearly as encouraging as, “I noticed you kept trying even when that problem seemed impossible earlier. I’m proud of you for using your courage to stick to it and finish the assignment!”