How families can help students finish the school year strong

As the school year moves into its final stretch, many students find their motivation slipping. The excitement of the beginning of the year has faded, routines may feel stale, and both parents and kids can start to feel the weight of a long academic year. But according to educator and youth speaker Erin Tarr, this moment can actually be a powerful opportunity for a reset.

“Mid-year is the perfect time to pause, reflect and make small adjustments,” Tarr said. “You don’t need to overhaul everything. Often, a few intentional shifts can help students regain focus and confidence.”

For families wondering how to help their children finish the school year strong, Tarr offers practical strategies that focus on encouragement, structure and connection.

1. Start with Reflection. 

Before jumping into solutions, Tarr recommends taking time to talk with your child about how the year is going.  “Ask open-ended questions,” she says. “What’s been going well this year? What’s been challenging? What would make the rest of the year feel more manageable?” These conversations can help students feel heard while also helping parents understand what’s really happening beneath the surface. Sometimes the issue isn’t academic at all—it could be social stress, fatigue or simply feeling overwhelmed. Reflection also helps students recognize their progress. “Kids often forget how far they’ve come,” Tarr said. “Acknowledging their growth can rebuild confidence and motivation.”

2. Reset Goals for the Final Months

Once you’ve reflected on the year so far, the next step is setting realistic goals for the remaining months. Rather than focusing only on grades, Tarr suggests encouraging students to create goals that feel achievable and meaningful. For example:

- Completing homework consistently

- Improving organization

- Asking for help when needed

- Preparing earlier for tests and projects

“Goals don’t have to be huge,” Tarr notes. “Small wins build momentum.” Parents can help by breaking larger tasks into manageable steps and checking in periodically. The goal is to support—not pressure—students as they move toward the finish line.

3. Rebuild Healthy Routines

As the year progresses, routines sometimes start to slip. Bedtimes drift later, homework becomes rushed and activities pile up. “Structure is incredibly helpful for students,” Tarr said. “When routines are predictable, kids have more mental energy to focus on learning.” 

Families can use a mid-year reset to revisit daily habits. This might include:

- Establishing a consistent homework time

- Creating a quiet study space

- Prioritizing sleep

- Limiting distractions during study hours

These adjustments don’t need to be strict or rigid, but even small improvements can make a big difference in a student’s ability to stay on track.

4. Focus on Effort, Not Just Results

Another important shift, Tarr says, is focusing on effort rather than perfection. “Students often feel intense pressure to perform,” she said. “But when parents recognize effort, persistence and improvement, it changes the conversation.”

Instead of asking only about grades, parents can ask questions like:

- What did you work hardest on today?

- What was something challenging you pushed through?

- What are you proud of this week?

These kinds of conversations reinforce resilience and encourage students to keep trying, even when school feels difficult.

5. Stay Connected with Teachers

Communication between families and educators can also play a key role in helping students finish the year strong. “If a child is struggling, teachers often have helpful insight and strategies,” Tarr said. “Reaching out early can prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.” Many teachers appreciate when parents collaborate rather than wait until the end of the year to address concerns. A quick email or conference can provide clarity about expectations and opportunities for improvement.

6. Don’t Forget Encouragement

Perhaps most importantly, Tarr emphasizes the power of encouragement. “Kids need to know their parents are in their corner,” she said. “Even when things aren’t perfect.” A simple reminder of “You’ve got this” can go a long way in helping students push through the final months of school. Celebrating milestones, finishing big projects or simply getting through a challenging week can reinforce a student’s sense of accomplishment. “Finishing strong isn’t about perfection,” Tarr said. “It’s about helping students believe in their ability to keep growing.”

These practical strategies can help families turn the mid-year slump into an opportunity, which can help students close out the school year with confidence, resilience and pride in how far they’ve come.

For more insights on how to help set your student up for success, listen to the full interview with Erin Tarr on Holly’s Highlights podcast season 4 episode 18 wherever you stream podcasts, and at www.HollyCurby.com.