Adolescence can be a busy time. Students are starting to explore and pursue different interests, whether that is music, sports, the arts, or another area. High schoolers are trying to build their experience for college applications. That can lead to a lot of different commitments on top of the demands of school.
It is important to help students find balance so they don’t become burned out or overwhelmed. When they are stretched too thin, their academic performance can falter as well as their extracurricular performance. It can take a toll on their physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being too.
Stay Organized
When it comes to managing everything, organization is key. Work with your child to create a schedule that includes all of their commitments, such as work, practices, games, recitals, volunteering, projects, and tests. Make sure they write everything down so they can plan accordingly for the day and the week. Don’t forget to account for travel time and meals. Blocking out downtime is also important so they know they get a break and have time to relax, recharge, and do something they want to do.
Prioritize
School comes first. Just as adults go to work every day, school is your child’s “job” and should take priority. If you notice that their schedule is becoming too busy, their grades are slipping, or they’re becoming stressed out, it is time to pause and refocus. Take a closer look at everything they are involved in and decide where you can make cuts.
Perhaps instead of taking ballet, tap, and jazz, they pick just one dance class for now. Or maybe you can cut their music lesson from an hour to 30 minutes, or one day a week instead of two. If they’re involved in multiple activities, have them choose which is the most important to them. Are they more interested in the debate team than playing soccer? Maybe they can play soccer in a summer rec league when they have more time and the school year is over. Perhaps they need to cut back on their hours at work for a while. They may have to make some compromises.
Ask for Help
Sometimes the issue isn’t necessarily being overscheduled, but having trouble effectively managing time. If your child has poor study or organizational skills, it may mean tasks take longer or are more difficult than they need to be. This can impact their ability to balance commitments.
Working with a tutor can help your child work more efficiently and effectively. They can get the support they need with their coursework, help preparing for tests, and strategies for taking better notes, staying organized, and managing their time. This can enable them to focus on doing their best in school while also participating in extracurricular activities. Crafting Scholars can help your student maximize their potential in multiple areas. Contact us today to learn more about our customized curricula, diagnostic testing, and academic programs.