We are in the throes of the final weeks of school and my daughter is facing tests, assignments, projects, and papers—and this is before final exams even start. She’s already feeling school burnout, but she still needs give it her all so she can finish the year strong. I’m doing what I can to help her make it through the end of the school year.
6 Ways I’m Helping My Teen Survive the Last Weeks of School:
1. I’m making her favorite meals and stocking up on snacks.
The end of the year is brutally busy for my family. We find ourselves in too many drive-throughs for meals, but I’m taking the time to prepare a few favorite meals for my girl. I also stocked the pantry and fridge with all of her favorite snacks, so she can have something good to munch on while she studies late into the night.
2. I’m giving her a pass on her household chores and responsibilities.
My daughter doesn’t have much time for anything other than her school work and all of the end of the year sports and activities. Even if she had the time, the usual day-to-day chores and clean-up routines are the last thing on her mind. So I’ve let her off the hook and lowered my expectations for now. Easing up on her home responsibilities will help her focus on what’s most important.
3. I’m cleaning up after her more than usual.
Since the regular responsibilities and rules of the house are more lenient, there’s quite a mess to manage. Although my daughter can take the time to clean up after herself every day, I’ve offered to help her with the bigger tasks like cleaning her room and putting away her laundry. Since she’s staying up so late at night, I let her get a little more sleep in the mornings by making her breakfast and packing her lunch.
4. I bought her a Starbucks gift card, just because.
I surprised my daughter with a gift card to her favorite coffee spot. Usually her coffee is on her dime, so this was an unexpected and happy surprise for her. I know she’s exhausted, so I wanted to give her a small treat to make sure she knows she’s loved and supported.
5. I’m reminding her of all the things.
I want to help my daughter stay organized during these last hectic weeks of school. Her schedule is so packed with deadlines and events that it’s difficult for her to manage it all—especially when she’s drowning in school work and studying. I want her to learn to handle things on her own, but right now, she needs and deserves a little help. So I text her schedule reminders and help her plan her commitments and activities.
6. I’m being patient and offering more encouragement.
Right now my daughter needs all the support I can give, so I’m constantly encouraging and praising her efforts to help boost her self-confidence and calm her anxiety. When she shares her worries about her grades, tests, and papers, I reassure her that I know she’s trying and I love her no matter what grades she gets. I’m practicing more patience because I understand what she’s going through.
These last weeks of school are difficult and stressful for all of us, and I know my daughter appreciates everything I’m doing to help her finish out the year. My hope is that the extra support and encouragement will make life just a little bit easier and give her everything she needs to get to the final bell.
