New Year, New Brain – Let’s Make the 2nd half school year better!
As we embark on a new year, it’s common to take the opportunity to set new goals and resolutions – especially within an area of struggle, frustration, or disappointment. For adults, the new objective may be to improve diet or exercise habits. For parents with a struggling child, this is often when they seek help and advice on what to do to help them academically.
When seeking help about a consistent learning struggle, it is best to start by identifying the root of the struggle. That’s because the symptoms we see in everyday life are often misleading as to area of struggle. However, addressing the root of a learning struggle is something we do every day with families – understanding the root-cause of the struggle and knowing WHY learning has been so hard.
While you’re pursuing clarity in the underlying root-cause of the struggle, the New Year is also a great time to implement helpful, structured approaches to school routines. The journey towards accomplishing these objectives often brings a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Let us give you four things you can do proactively for greater success during the remainder of the school year:
#1 – Establish and Maintain Routines:
Our brain thrives on having routines to follow. Providing a sense of predictability can be comforting for kids (especially for those with ADHD or neurodiverse needs).
Maintaining routines requires a combination of discipline, consistency, and adaptability. First, establish a clear and realistic routine that aligns with your goals and daily activities. Create a schedule that accommodates both work and personal life, allowing for a balance that promotes overall well-being. Consistency is key; strive to stick to your routine even on days when motivation is low. Incorporate habits that align with your values and priorities, reinforcing the significance of the routine. However, flexibility is also crucial. Life is dynamic, and unexpected events may arise, so be open to adjusting your routine without abandoning it entirely. Regularly assess and reflect on your routine’s effectiveness, making adjustments as needed to ensure it remains relevant to your evolving needs. Celebrate small victories along the way to maintain motivation and remember that the goal is not perfection but sustainable progress over time.
Create rhythms that work for your family that prioritize rest, connection, and adequate time to get everything done.
#2 – Set and Celebrate Mini-Goals:
Instead of just focusing on year-long resolutions or bigger picture gains, work with your kids to see what small steps of progress would look like. Focusing on small, tangible wins provides a sense of accomplishment and motivation during the seemingly long winter months!
These smaller, achievable objectives act as building blocks towards larger aspirations, providing a sense of direction and focus. Mini-goals break down overwhelming tasks into more manageable steps, making the journey toward bigger ambitions less daunting. They serve as motivational milestones, offering a continuous sense of accomplishment as each mini-goal is attained, boosting confidence and morale. Additionally, these incremental achievements provide valuable feedback, allowing individuals to adjust strategies and refine their approach as they progress. The emphasis on mini-goals promotes a proactive mindset, encouraging individuals to stay engaged and persistent in their pursuit of success. In the long run, the benefits of incorporating mini-goals extend beyond the immediate sense of achievement, fostering a habit of continual improvement and resilience in the face of challenges.
Make sure you take the time for fun and celebration all along the way, too.
#3 – Emphasize Organization and Planning:
The new year is a great time to refresh these habits (especially if you have teens)!
Organization and planning offer numerous benefits that contribute to efficiency, productivity, and overall success in various aspects of life. Firstly, these practices provide a clear structure and framework, helping individuals or groups to prioritize tasks and allocate resources effectively. This, in turn, minimizes the chances of overlooking important details and ensures that deadlines are met. Secondly, organization and planning foster a sense of control and reduced stress, as individuals can navigate through their responsibilities with a well-defined roadmap. Moreover, these practices enhance time management skills, allowing for better utilization of available time and preventing procrastination.
These are important life skills that go beyond just school, so helping your family prioritize things, stay organized, and think ahead is so powerful!
#4 – Learn the WHY behind the Struggle:
If your child faced challenges in the previous semester, then schedule a Brain Skills Check-Up. This is essential to understanding the underlying issues. Consider:
- Assessing cognitive skills to understand potential barriers to learning.
- Identifying deficits in reading, math, problem-solving, or critical thinking.
- Addressing challenges such as distractibility and difficulty engaging in class.
Understanding the root cause of learning struggles allows you to create a targeted plan for change and success. It’s the New Year! Take a proactive step to make learning easier, faster, and better for your child.
Seeking help promptly is crucial because addressing issues early on not only prevents them from escalating but also promotes better mental and emotional well-being, enabling individuals to navigate challenges with resilience and support.
Give us a call today at (919) 232-0090 or click HERE to schedule a specific day/time for us to give you a call, so we can talk further and answer your questions:
