You’ve probably noticed that around March each year your teen starts to experience early-onset senioritis. Their grades may start to slip, they might slack off on studying for an exam or two, and they feel more than ready for the end of the school year.
While it’s completely normal for teenagers to start to burn out on school by March each year, the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic has made it particularly difficult for teenagers to cope with school this year.
Although different school districts are offering different methods of instruction this year, none of these methods are ideal for teenagers.
Online school provides fewer opportunities for fun learning activities or interactions with peers and teachers, making it a challenge for teens to stay engaged. When students have to communicate with their friends and teachers through a screen, and they don’t have to leave their bedrooms or their pajamas to do so, it can be hard for them to find the motivation to stay focused on their schoolwork and do well in their courses.
Some students are tasked with completing all of their classes asynchronously. Without live instruction or opportunities to work with their teachers, many of these teens are struggling to keep up with their coursework and understand new material.
Even teenagers who are able to attend school in person are grappling with the challenges of following a hybrid schedule, staying engaged when partner or group work is not allowed, or trying to learn when they are not able to get close to their teachers.
As students try to navigate these changes, it can cause their grades to drop, making them feel stressed or like they are failures because their performance in school is inadequate.
In addition to this hardship, teens also are wrestling with all of the usual stressors that they would face during a typical school year. Considering this, it’s no surprise that teens are feeling more burnt out than usual!
If you find that your teen is having a hard time focusing on school this year, there are a few things that are important for you to keep in mind:
Your teen is facing stress due to the pandemic
While you are no stranger to the stressors of the coronavirus pandemic, it can be easy to forget that your teen might be under a lot of stress and struggling during this time, too.
Your teen still has all of the same academic expectations as usual, but they have fewer means to meet their goals due to online school or varying methods of instruction.
Your teen is likely unable to see their friends, mentors, teachers, and the other people they lean on for support when times get tough.
Therapy sessions are being held online, which while better than nothing, is not the same as meeting in person.
Many of the activities and school clubs your teen participates in to find enjoyment, relieve stress, and connect with others, have been canceled or have to meet online or using unconventional methods.
Fears about the coronavirus, losing loved ones, or getting sick can take a toll on your teen’s mental health.
It’s important to remember that your teen has a lot on their plate, so it is only natural that they will have a hard time giving 100% at school.
Your teen needs realistic expectations
Your teen’s grades may be slipping, but they are likely grappling with their mental and emotional health right now.
While it is still crucial for you to maintain expectations for your teen, it’s important to ensure that these expectations are realistic.
For instance, while you want your teen to get great grades, expecting them to get an A+ in every class when they aren’t even able to receive live instruction from their teachers or they are learning over Zoom is not realistic. This will only put additional pressure on your teen, which can cause them to do worse in school.
Set goals and expectations that are feasible during this time, and try to remain understanding if your teen has trouble staying motivated or working toward these goals.
Your teen needs support
While your teen may be a rockstar student who has never needed a push to do well in school in the past, it’s critical to remember that this year is a lot different than others. Coping with the stress of the pandemic has proven difficult for teens across the globe, and you should not assume that your teen has all of the coping skills they need to get through the year.
Check-in often and continue an open conversation about mental health and self-care, not just about productivity and schoolwork. Provide them with resources or strategies to use when they are feeling overwhelmed with school, and make sure they know that you are in their corner.
Teens are burnt out with online school during the pandemic. You can help provide them with the encouragement and support they need to bolster their mental health and help them find motivation for school again.