How to Keep Kids Motivated Through the End of the School Year

We totally get it. Even as adults, sunny days are the ultimate temptress to take a longer lunch break or cut out of work a little early. But for kids in school, that's not an option, and staring out the window and daydreaming about recess won't get them anywhere.

Make sure that they're getting the outdoor fun that they so crave after the dismissal bell rings. Barbecue and eat dinner on the patio. Encourage them to play with the neighborhood kids. Ensuring that they get their daily dose of fun in the sun (even if it's technically dusk) after school means that they won't feel like they're missing out as much between 9 to 3.

If all you can talk about is how great Summer break is going to be, and how you can't wait for this year to come to an end, then what do you expect your kids' mind-set to be? Even if you're counting the days till a more lax schedule sets in, maintain a solid poker face and stay serious about school, until that much-anticipated very last day!

While it may be tempting to indulge their whims of hitting up the ice cream truck on a nightly basis, warm weather shouldn't be synonymous with junk food. Make sure that they're still getting their fruits, veggies, and a good night's sleep to ensure they have the energy to stay awake and alert throughout the school day (sugar rushes don't count!).