Helping Your Child Finish Strong and Anticipate Fall Break

When October comes near, kids and teens are often found either studying their hearts out or checking out completely. Many kids are counting down the days until they can take a break from homework, tests, and early mornings while parents are often nervous about having all their kids home at once and navigating childcare for the younger ones and mapping out schedules for the teens. 

The challenge is that those last few weeks before fall break are often some of the most important weeks of the quarter. As tempting as it may be for kids and teens to mentally check out, this is often the time when grades, projects, and assignments can have a significant impact on a child’s grades. 

Helping your child keep up the momentum during this time period can make a big difference. Sometimes all your child needs to hear is “keep up the good work,” or
“you got this.” Other times, they may need you to carve out some time to practice with them, review their papers or projects they’ve been working on, and give them some feedback. We don’t all have to be teachers to support our child’s progress and encourage them to finish strong.

School Can be Difficult before a Break

Other than support and encouragement, one of the best things parents can do is recognize that this time of year can be hard. Many kids are often so excited, restless, and looking forward to a change of routine, that it can be easy to become distracted when trying to push to the end. Rather than constant reminders to focus, try helping them break tasks into smaller, manageable goals. Sometimes getting through one homework assignment, one study session, or even one school day at a time feels much more achievable than thinking about the entire week or two they have coming up.

It is also important to remember that not every child is eagerly anticipating fall break. For some children and teens, school provides structure, consistency, and social connection that they may not feel is present at home. Children navigating family changes such as divorce, ongoing family conflict, anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges may experience mixed emotions when a longer break is coming up.

Not All Children are Excited About Breaks

While many adolescents are prepping for their fall break vacations or sorting through all their extracurriculars still going on while school is out, some others may be feeling worried, uncertain, or even sad about the upcoming time away from school, and these feelings can often be difficult for them to express. Parents may notice an increase in agitation, isolation, sleep difficulties, or an inability to talk about the coming break from school. Try putting yourself in your child’s shoes and have a curious attitude toward your child rather than one of judgment or assumption. Consider asking open-ended questions about how they are feeling. Their response may surprise you especially if they feel you are truly listening. 

Breaks Can Provide Space for Intentional Moments of Connection

Fall break can also be a great opportunity to intentionally create moments of connection. If possible, encourage your child to spend time with a trusted friend, participate in an activity they enjoy, or plan a special parent-child outing. It does not have to be expensive or complicated. A trip for a smoothie or hot drink, a movie night at home, a short hike at a nearby park, baking together, or simply spending uninterrupted time talking can go a long way. When it comes to this time with your child, just remember it’s about quality, not quantity. A few hours of quality time goes a long way!

If your child seems especially anxious as the break approaches, it may be worth reaching out to their therapist or scheduling an additional therapy session. Sometimes children need extra support to process their feelings and prepare for changes in routine. Having a safe space to talk can make all the difference.

It can be tempting to expect children to come to you and talk through difficult things but sometimes children do not even know they are upset or anxious about something. And, some adults do expect children to respond like mini adults. We think you’ll find this blog post on how to help children respond in age-appropriate ways helpful. 

As parents, our goal is to help our child or teen finish strong, feel supported, and know they do not have to navigate their complex emotions alone. A little extra understanding, structure, and connection during this season can help ease the fall jitters and set the stage for a healthier, more enjoyable break for everyone. 

We’re Here to Help

If your child seems to be struggling with motivation, stress, or burnout this school year, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

At Peace Family Counseling, our clinicians work with children, teens, and families to build the emotional tools they need to feel supported, understood, and ready to keep moving forward.

If you’re ready to talk, reach out to schedule an appointment or set up a free 15-minute phone call with our Intake Coordinator here. We’re located in Greenwood and Martinsville, serving the Southside of Indianapolis, and we’re here to help your family find healing and hope.