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The key to reigniting motivation lies in creating an environment that is structured, supportive, and adaptable to the unique needs of your child. It doesn’t require a major overhaul—just a few practical shifts that help foster engagement, minimize frustration, and reignite interest in learning.
One of the simplest ways to support your child during the mid-year slump is by adding regular sensory breaks into their routine. Many neurodivergent children, particularly those with ADHD, have a heightened need for sensory input to stay focused and regulated. Sensory breaks—whether it’s a quick walk, stretching, or using a stress ball—can give the brain a much-needed reset and help students manage feelings of fatigue and overwhelm.
At home, this could look like scheduling a few short breaks throughout the day, especially during homework time. At school, work with teachers to build in small movement opportunities or access to a quiet corner when your child feels overstimulated.
Motivation often improves when students feel they have some control over their learning. Instead of focusing on external rewards or strict deadlines, offer your child some autonomy in how they approach their tasks. For example, let them choose the order in which they complete assignments or select a subject to work on first. Giving your child options helps reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed and puts the power back in their hands, which can make a huge difference in their motivation levels.
At home, you can start small by allowing them to decide which project they’d like to tackle first. At school, talk to teachers about providing choice when possible, such as letting your child choose from a range of project topics or selecting how they demonstrate their learning (e.g., through a written report or a visual presentation).
Rather than focusing on large tasks that feel daunting, break them down into smaller, more manageable goals. Micro-goals are short-term, achievable tasks that your child can complete in a short amount of time. Completing these smaller goals can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivate your child to keep going.
At home, help your child create a to-do list with tiny steps—something as simple as “read one paragraph” or “write the first sentence of the essay.” Celebrate each small win, and encourage them to move forward after completing each task.
At school, talk to teachers about breaking down larger assignments into smaller chunks and checking in with your child regularly to ensure they’re on track. This can prevent the feeling of being overwhelmed by a massive project and instead focus on incremental progress.
We all know that exercise is good for both the body and the mind. For neurodivergent students, incorporating regular movement can be a powerful tool for maintaining focus and reducing stress. Movement stimulates brain activity, improves mood, and boosts energy levels—perfect for getting past the slump.
At home, build time for physical activity into the daily routine. This could be as simple as a short walk after school, a few minutes of dancing, or even yoga breaks during homework time. At school, talk to teachers about opportunities for movement during lessons or having a standing desk if your child has trouble sitting still.
Neurodivergent students often feel pressure to achieve the "perfect" result. When motivation drops, this pressure can become overwhelming, leading to avoidance or disengagement. Shift the focus from the end product to the process. Emphasize the value of effort, learning, and growth, rather than the final grade or completion of the task.
At home, praise your child’s effort, creativity, and the steps they take to work through challenges. Let them know that it’s okay to make mistakes, and that mistakes are part of the learning process. At school, encourage teachers to provide feedback that highlights growth, improvement, and hard work rather than just the final score.
While structure is important, so is downtime. Overloading a neurodivergent student with back-to-back activities and constant tasks can lead to burnout. Build in some downtime each day where your child can relax, play, or engage in an activity they truly enjoy. When students know they have time to recharge, it can help them maintain motivation throughout the day.
At home, this could be as simple as an afternoon break for a favorite activity or an evening with no homework. At school, consider working with teachers to allow your child some quiet time during the day to decompress and reset.
Remember, it only takes a few practical shifts to help foster engagement, minimize frustration, and reignite interest in learning.