How to Keep Kids Focused During Spring Break

Spring break can be a hard stretch for students to stay motivated, especially as the school year winds down. In this News 12 Be Well segment, Dr. Emily Bly of Psychology Partners Group talks with parents about keeping kids engaged and supported. The segment was originally shared in April 2025.

What Dr. Bly Shared

Dr. Bly spoke about the experience often called senioritis, and noted that it is a common one. Her guidance for parents centered on a few ideas:

  • Expect it. A dip in motivation near the end of the school year is common.
  • Validate feelings. Acknowledge how your child feels instead of dismissing it.
  • Meet them where they are. Start from your child's current energy and focus, not from where you hoped they would be.
  • Celebrate hard work. Noticing the effort your child has put in helps keep them engaged and supported.

You can also watch the segment on News 12.

When Extra Support May Help

If concerns about your child's focus, motivation, or mood go beyond the end-of-year stretch, a clinician can help sort out what is going on. These pages describe some of the ways PPG supports children, teens, and parents: