Keeping Kids Motivated After Spring Break

When the weather starts getting warmer, spring fever kicks in and affects not only adults, but children as well. Parents and teachers may find children have difficulty concentrating and staying motivated after spring break. Here are some ideas to help combat spring fever with your kids.

Keep a calendar. Mark down the last day of school as well as any holidays and days off in between. Keep this in a central place so you and your child can mark down each day as it passes. This is a good place to keep upcoming events marked on so kids can easily see days they can look forward to. Also mark down due dates for projects and set small goals for your children to accomplish parts of the project so it is done by the due date and they continuously feel a sense of accomplishment. This will help prevent them from becoming overwhelmed and avoid those last minute rushes to get projects and assignments done.

Be a good role model. Kids watch adults and use them as models for behavior. Take advantage of warm weather to do projects around the house and yard that have been put off and engage the kids' help. Stay active and use your own spring fever as a motivator to get your kids moving and to keep active. Use this time to start good exercise habits.

Get your kids involved in a sport. Exercise is a great way to alleviate boredom and to get rid of excess energy they may have. Attending practices and games will keep them going and help the days pass, as well as give them a sense of community, a chance to socialize and develop motor skills and good physical health as well as good sportsmanship. Again, remember that you act as a role model for your child. Your sportsmanship and positive encouragement will go a long way. Practicing with them in the yard or at a park will keep them motivated and get you involved as well.