Winter is now in the rearview mirror and spring is on the horizon! How do you, as parents and family members, help your student make the conscious decision to dig in their heels and push towards a successful end to their high school experience? The answer may be as simple as recognizing that committing to a strong finish is a great beginning.
An article on collegiateparent.com, titled "Staying on Track During Another Pandemic Semester," provides three family-focused steps to explore with your student:
1) Avoid distractions and focus on what is important!
There is so much uncertainty in the world today. However, students can bring balance to their lives by focusing on the things they can control. Try creating a daily schedule with blocks of time for class, studying and being with friends. This structure will most certainly be helpful later on.
2) Make a conscious effort to grow and improve
Accomplishing a task or achieving a goal has the potential to be life-changing. Encourage your student to try a new hobby or a job they have never performed. They may learn something new and wonderful about themselves that they never knew; better yet, it may help them somewhere down the road!
3) Connect the dots to a larger purpose
Imagining the future can be both scary and overwhelming. Having a discussion with your student about their dreams and aspirations can make things a little less daunting. What positive steps can they take right now to begin the process? Affirm who they are and let them know that you are there to support them no matter what!
Remember, you do not have to be a motivational coach to ignite the fire inside your student. Encouragement goes a long way, mainly when love is front and center.