Embracing Spring Fever

By Kelly Kander, LCPC

Spring is in the air, the sun is shining, the days are getting longer, and the thoughts of young brains everywhere seem to have drifted out the window, far away from any classroom. Spring fever has set in leaving parents and teachers pulling out their hair to figure out how to engage those checked- out minds. Crossing the finish line of this race seems impossible, but with some plans in place, not only can it be done, but it can also be enjoyed with great fun and enthusiasm!

It is easy to allow spring fever to sneak up and pounce when the parental guard is down, leaving parents without a plan and without time to give much thought action. This, of course, creates a defensive parental posture which will typically lead to giving up or becoming the dreadful drill sergeant who is all work and no play. In preparation for this time, communication is especially important. Ask what each child loves the most as the season changes, taking time to listen closely to the answers. Transition to allowing each child to consider his/her struggles that prevent a strong finish to school, activities, and home contributions. It may be surprising that children differ in their struggles so parents should not try to slap on a one- size fits-all solution to the spring fever dilemma.

First, as with most times of transition, consistency is an important key for everyone involved. Remembering that all children, including teens, need healthy adult supervision is essential to standing firm with a loving attitude. Sleeping and eating well are included in basic consistency throughout the lifespan. A minimum of eight hours or consistent and quality sleep helps the brain and body to reset, restore, and recall most efficiently. Also keep in mind that with sleep comes the discipline of turning off technology (TV, computer, and phone screens) at least 90 minutes before lights out. The light from these devices mimics sunlight causing a delay in necessary restorative sleep cycles.

Secondly, take a step on the wild side and mix up the routine a little. Notice, this is not a contradiction to consistency but allows for some creative flexibility in accomplishing daily tasks. For instance, indulge in the great outdoors that are calling by moving homework time a little later in the day, or move homework time outside to embrace the benefits of fresh air and sunshine. Include a healthy amount of social time with friends so that the rewards of spring are not forsaken but instead are embraced. Robbing free time can worsen spring fever symptoms as children long for some control in their lives and their schedules. Include activities that are limited by winter and more enjoyable as the weather warms up like bike rides, hikes, frisbee, and leisurely walks. Have fun, enjoy, and indulge a little!

Finally, keeping in mind “The Big Picture” allows for peace of mind and perspective on spring fever. This is where some fun goal setting and incentive planning can come into play in a way that is not reduced to destructive bribery. Ask kids how they want to finish school strong. Help them set specific, measurable goals to encourage them through this time. It is the child’s ownership in goal setting that gives it proper motivation. In addition to setting the goals, allow kids to create their own incentives as well. This does not equate to big ticket items, money, and grandiose trips. Make a weekend plan for some added fun, give them a foot rub on Friday night for reaching all the deadlines of the week, plan a special dinner for passing the exam s/he studied so hard to pass. Involve the kids to creatively establish meaningful incentives to acknowledge little goals made along the way. However, choose the wording carefully because incentives can easily turn into bribes. For a kid who has decided that 30-60 extra minutes of video games for the weekend would be the incentive of choice, use “I think indulging extra video game time sounds like a reasonable reward for your hard work this week. I know you can do it!” This statement is much different than a parent saying, “If you turn in all your assignments this week, you can have 30 extra minutes of gaming on Friday.”Remember, little accomplishments along the way can be celebrated as long as they are reasonably proportionate to the goals. Furthermore, not all goals need an incentive. Again, we are celebrating hard work, dedication and perseverance, not every action of the child.

After communicating and planning with active participation from the kids, a proper plan can be created to fully enjoy all that spring brings. Spring fever will not necessarily go away, but it will be embraced in a new and refreshing way!

Ideas to mix up the fun for spring

Not warm enough for a picnic? Have one in the living room – complete with a blanket and paper plates.

Plant some seeds in starter pots that can be planted in the garden when it warms up.

Get rid of old, tired school supplies. Buy new spring-colored pencils, erasers, notebooks. School is more fun with new things.

Develop a calendar with holidays and events that kids can look forward to and visualize that they’re in the home stretch.

Leave notes on mirrors telling kids how great they are and encouraging them to finish strong.