Helping Students Find Balance and Reduce Burnout
School is a student’s “job,” and they are faced with assignments, projects, tests, and deadlines. They also have other obligations outside of the school day, such as family activities, extracurriculars, and other practices. It can become overwhelming if their schedule is too busy and they have little time to unwind and decompress. Burnout can not only impact their academic performance, but their physical and mental health as well.
Working with your child to create a well-balanced schedule where they feel as though they can get their work done while still doing things they enjoy is essential. Unfortunately, that can also mean making some hard decisions.
· Review Their Schedule
Write down everything your child is involved in and the time commitment from each activity. Look at each day and see where there is free time, if there is any at all. Are they going nonstop from the time they get on the bus in the morning until late into the evening? When do they have time for meals, hanging out with friends, or doing a hobby? If they are constantly transitioning from one activity to the next, it may be time to rethink their schedule.
Listen for signs they are feeling stressed, such as complaints that they can’t get everything done, they are tired, they are worried about their grades, or they have too much to do. Have their grades started slipping even though they’re typically an excellent student?
· Prioritize Activities
Talk to your kids about what activities they have going on that season or semester. Which ones are they most interested in and passionate about? How much time does each activity require? Consider cutting back on what they are involved in. For instance, instead of playing on the school soccer team and the travel team, pick one or the other. Or instead of taking three dance classes, drop down to one or two, and switch things up when new classes start.
Help them to stay organized so they know what needs to be done and when. Break down large projects or assignments into smaller chunks so they can work on a little bit each day and not feel so overwhelmed right before it’s due.
· Set Aside Free Time
Make it a point to schedule time for non-school activities. Give your child a chance to relax and do something they enjoy, such as playing a game, baking, drawing, spending time outside, watching tv, or getting together with friends. It can be good not to have every moment of their day scheduled, and instead let them figure out what they want to do. It gives them a chance to de-stress and clear their mind so they can be focused when they return to doing their schoolwork.
· Seek Help
Are there certain subjects where your child is devoting hours to studying or trying to work through assignments? Are they struggling to understand and apply what they’re learning? Sign them up for tutoring so they can develop diverse strategies for processing, organizing, and reviewing information. A tutor can also explain concepts in different ways that may make more sense. This support can help your child reduce the amount of time they spend on a subject and work more efficiently.
Crafting Scholars creates customized learning plans aligned with your child’s unique strengths, learning style, needs, and goals. Students can feel more empowered over their learning, use their time more effectively, and know that they have the support they need if there is something they don’t understand. Contact us today to learn more and reserve your child’s spot!
