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Tips for coping with spring fever Monday Mar 27, 2017 at 8:21 PM Mar 27, 2017 at 8:21 PM By Paul Huard For most school children and families spring break marks the beginning of the last, long haul to the end of the school year. No matter what your child’s age, the next nine weeks can seem like the longest of the school year. It’s tough to come back from a week’s worth of vacation. Besides, the weather turns warmer, the skies are clearer, and the world outside the classroom seems to beckon. What’s the cure for spring fever? If you are having a hard time keeping your student motivated, here are some suggestions from the National Education Association. They might not completely cure the yearning to spend the day in the sun, but it’s a start: • Plan time outdoors: In some ways, it’s best not to fight the urge to be outside. Some things that you and your child can do include doing homework outside, visiting the park for a picnic, playing games outdoors after school, bike riding either for fun or as a way to travel to and from school, or family walks in the evening as the days grow longer. • Change your daily routine during spring: It’s OK to mix up your schedule to take advantage of balmier weather and longer days. Some ideas include taking a break from organized activities like sports or extracurricular activities, doing homework after dinner or in the mornings instead of right after school, having playtime outside before homework time to get rid of the wiggles, and scheduling play dates with friends. • Set goals that will help them finish the school year in a strong way: What do your kids need to accomplish before the end of the school year? Have them brainstorm what they need to do and help he or she set their goals. Then decide what fun incentives they could earn for achieving each goal. Incentives could include a family movie night, dinner at a favorite restaurant, a movie with a friend, or a trip of their choice. • Keep sleep times and hours consistent: The days are longer so it might not feel like bedtime yet. But even though it’s difficult, keep your child’s bedtimes consistent. Sleep is important for kids so they stay healthy and alert at school. Sleep improves concentration and it gives both brain and body time to grow. How can you motivate your kids to sleep at their regular time? Have your child go to bed at the same time every night — even on weekends. Keep bedrooms dark and add blackout curtains if necessary. Remove TV, computers and iPads from bedrooms. Change their linens and blankets to accommodate the warmer weather. Finally, dim the lights in preparation for bedtime. •Do the spring cleaning: Cleaning up and straightening up can add some structure to your child’s life. With the change of season, eliminating clutter is vital even for children. Get spring-cleaning done in your child’s room by weeding out old clothes and toys, organizing what remains in storage bins, dusting, vacuuming and washing surfaces and floors. Have your kids work with you to declutter their rooms. A former reporter who covered politics and government for newspapers in California and Oregon, Paul R. Huard teaches social studies and English courses at Ashland High School. The opinions he expresses are his own.