Combating Spring Fever: What Parents Can Do

‘Tis the season of spring break plans and winter getaways. And, for many school-age children, the start of spring fever.

Combating spring fever can be challenging and, if you are like most parents, trying to keep your child motivated with activities, homework, sports and school in general can be a struggle.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways that parents can stay engaged in their child’s education and keep kids excited about learning throughout the school year including:

• Keep in touch with your child’s teachers
• Get more involved: Be a volunteer
• Harness homework struggles

Talk to Your Child’s Teachers

Often times, parents are not sure how to get involved, or stay involved, in their children’s education. A critical component is to continue to talk to your child’s teachers. They can answer important questions about progress being made, expectations for the remainder of the school year and your child’s overall behavior in the classroom.

Greater parent participation in education can lead to higher student grades and test scores, higher graduation rates, and increased enrollment in post-secondary education.

Whether your child attends a traditional public school, private school, virtual public school or a charter school, parents can always serve as personal, face-to-face learning coaches who can help further their child’s education.

Get More Involved: Be a Volunteer

Many parents can continue to be involved by participating in special projects or field trips with other students and parents. Sign up to read in a young child’s classroom or attend music lessons or chaperone a high school dance. If you have more time, volunteer to help coach your child’s sports team or be a club leader.

Being involved in activities outside of academia will help strengthen your bond and continue to set the stage for greater success when it comes to the actual school work.

Harness Homework Struggles

One of the most dreaded topics throughout the school year: Homework struggles, especially as spring time approaches. Avoiding homework struggles has a lot to do with your family’s attitudes and routines.

Does your attitude express the importance of learning and how exciting it can be? Do you set aside adequate time for homework in your child’s schedule? Does homework come before extra-curricular activities and time on the couch?

Setting expectations and standing your ground is critical. Discuss a homework routine with your child. Reach an agreement together, including rewards or consequences.

It may take time and lots of consistency, but in the end, it is what your child wants and needs.

The message is clear: Success in education begins at home. The benefits of being engaged in your child’s learning can be as important, if not more so, to a student’s educational achievement than family income, parental education level or cultural background.

Plus, being engaged in the experience and the journey will help keep you focused on what is most important—continuing to bring out the best in your child.

To see if Connections Academy is right for your family, call 1-800-382-6010 or check availability in your state.