8 Ways
TO FIGHT SENIORITIS AND FINISH SENIOR YEAR
My
28
STRONG
TEENAGE SON HAS COME down with a curious affliction this spring. His symptoms include increased indifference and frequent use of the snooze feature on his phone’s alarm clock. I believe he is suffering from Senioritis, a common condition that strikes most seventeen and eighteen year olds in the waning days of their senior year. I bet my son, like so many seniors, wonders what these last few weeks and months matter anyway. However, Senioritis can have real consequences for teens. They might see their grades plummet, which could affect merit aid or even an offer for admission at colleges that require a final transcript. Teens might stop preparing as well as they could for AP exams, which means they miss out on potential college credit. Not to mention that Seniors could lose out on overall learning and increase their odds of a challenging transition to college or the workforce after graduation. So how can Seniors like my son finish the year strong? Check out these 8 ways that teens can conquer Senioritis:
BY KATY M. CLARK
1
MAINTAIN A ROUTINE. Teens should keep doing what they have been doing all year. Go to classes, virtual or in-person, and attend activities such as club meetings, team practices, and church or temple. Try to maintain a good sleep routine, too. Staying busy with day-to-day activities and getting enough sleep will combat the desire to check out.
2
STAY ORGANIZED. It is important for your Senior to keep track of test dates, meetings with a guidance counselor, and other events such as cap and gown fittings as they move towards graduation. Encourage them to use a planner, whether in hard copy form or through an app on their phone, to log deadlines and other important events. This practice will reap benefits in the future, too, as they attend college or start a new job.
3
CELEBRATE AND ENJOY THIS SPECIAL TIME. Yup, having fun is a reward for hard work, provides something to look forward to, and can motivate teens to stay the course and finish strong. After all, life is not always serious. Maybe your senior can attend prom or host one last epic get together with friends. Or you could plan a special family event, such as a weekend road trip or decadent dinner from your teen’s favorite restaurant to enjoy in person or at home.
O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M
APRIL 2022
