As students kick off the second half of the school year, this is a perfect time for parents to reflect on their children’s academic progress. This mid-year mark is an ideal time to reassess what’s working, identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to set the stage for success. Whether it’s focus challenges, organizational struggles or waning motivation, now is the time to reset routines and address concerns before they grow into larger issues.
Keep communication lines open
One of the most important ways you can support your child is by maintaining open and honest communication. Checking in regularly in a calm, nonjudgmental way can reveal valuable insights into how your child is feeling about school. Rather than asking a generic question (such as “How’s school going?”), try something more specific such as, “What’s been the most interesting thing you’ve learned lately?” or “What’s been the hardest part of your week?” These conversation openers encourage your child to share their experiences and help you better understand their challenges. In addition, sharing your own struggles and successes, whether from work or school, can also show your child that setbacks are a natural part of learning and growth.
Create a supportive routine
Homework routines are another cornerstone of academic success, but they can sometimes feel like a battle. Collaborating with your child to create a consistent routine can make a big difference. Talk with them about what they need to feel prepared and focused, whether it’s the right supplies or a specific time and place for studying. A quiet, distraction-free workspace stocked with essentials can help your child stay on task. Encourage them to tackle the most difficult assignments first and use techniques such as the “25-5 rule,” which involves 25 minutes of focused work followed by a five-minute break. This keeps productivity high while preventing burnout. If homework remains a persistent struggle, it may be worth exploring cognitive brain training programs, such as those offered at LearningRx Irvine, that target critical skills such as memory and attention to help students succeed long-term.
Leanne DiSanto is owner and managing director of LearningRx Irvine.
Executive function skills — time management, organization and problem-solving — play a critical role in academic achievement. These skills act as the “managers” of the brain, helping students juggle assignments, stay organized, and complete tasks efficiently. Parents can support these skills by introducing tools like planners, visual schedules or timers. For example, breaking larger projects into smaller, manageable steps with clear deadlines can help children feel less overwhelmed.
Develop a growth mindset
Building a growth mindset is another powerful way to help your child succeed. Focusing on effort rather than outcomes reinforces the idea that hard work leads to improvement. Celebrating small wins, such as completing an assignment or staying focused during study time, builds confidence and motivation. When setbacks occur, use them as teaching moments. Discuss what went well, what could be improved, and how to approach similar challenges in the future. This helps your child see obstacles as opportunities to learn rather than failures to avoid.
Despite a parent’s best efforts, some children may continue to struggle academically. In these cases, it’s important to consider whether underlying cognitive skill gaps may be the root cause. Foundational skills like attention, memory and reasoning are essential not only for academics but also for overall emotional and social well-being. Cognitive skills assessments can identify these gaps, and targeted brain training programs can help address them.
January is an excellent opportunity to reset routines, reassess goals and implement strategies that can make a big difference in your child’s academic journey. By taking proactive steps now, you can help your children regain focus, build confidence and feel prepared for the second half of the school year. This is a perfect opportunity to start making life-changing improvements that will set your child up for future success.
Leanne DiSanto is owner and managing director of LearningRx Irvine, which is dedicated to helping students unlock their full potential through brain training programs tailored to their unique needs. To support families during this critical time, mention L.A. Parent when you call to book a cognitive skills assessment before the end of the year and get 50% off the test. For more information about programs or to schedule an assessment, visit learningrx.com/costa-mesa-irvine/.
Introduce teens to mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga.
Self-care isn’t just a luxury— it’s a necessity for maintaining balance and well-being. By empowering teens with practical strategies, we help them recharge, refocus and build resilience in the face of life’s demands.
5 Self-care tips for teens
Prioritize sleep. Encourage good sleeping habits. Good-quality sleep is associated with emotional stability, optimism, cognitive function, self-esteem and confidence. Prioritizing sleep is crucial for physical and mental health. Educate your teen about the importance of consistent sleep schedules. The National Institute of Mental Health and CDC recommend that teens get 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night.
Healthy diet. Ensure your teen eats a balanced and nutritious diet. Good nutrition is linked to improved mental health and overall well-being. Nourishing their bodies with healthy food provides the energy needed to cope with stress and optimizes teens’ body and brain development.
Limiting screen time. To reduce stress and improve focus, encourage breaks from screens. Suggest activities that do not involve technology, like reading or outdoor play. Avoid screen time before bed, in particular.
Regular exercise. Underscore the role of physical activity in stress reduction and mood improvement. Find activities your teen enjoys, whether it is walking, running, aerobics, dancing, hiking or team sports, to promote a healthy and active lifestyle. Physical activity can effectively relieve stress and boost mood and energy levels.
Mindfulness and meditation. Introduce teens to mindfulness practices, such as meditation, deep breathing or yoga. Highlight the benefits of these practices in stress reduction, emotional regulation, and focus improvement. There are many apps and online resources available for guided meditation, making it easier to incorporate these practices into daily life. For example, UCLA Mindful App is a free tool for stress management.
Try to limit your teen’s screen time, especially before bed.
Stress management techniques
Teenagers have a lot to deal with, such as school requirements, adult expectations, social encounters and more. Stress is a normal part of life, but it is essential to manage it effectively.
Time management. Encourage your teen to develop time management skills to reduce overwhelming feelings. Help create balanced schedules that include work and play. Introduce tools for organization and prioritization, such as time management apps or notebooks. Encourage breaking large tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks.
Encourage teens to express themselves.
Setting boundaries. Teaching your teen to say no is crucial for preventing burnout. For example, politely declining parties or activities, if they clash with the priority list, is an essential aspect of stress management for teens.
Supporting your teen’s creative expression. Encourage hobbies and interests such as drawing, dancing, journaling, writing or playing music. These activities can be therapeutic and provide a sense of accomplishment, offering a much-needed escape from daily pressures.
Dr. Eichin Chang-Lim is the author of the “Talking About Adolescence” book series for teens. For more information, visit EichinChangLim.com.
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