The holiday season brings joy, traditions, family gatherings and plenty of excitement, but it also brings distractions, especially for students in school just before break. With so many special events and seasonal activities, it’s easy for children to lose focus in the classroom or at home. Fortunately, with a little structure and planning, parents can help their child stay motivated and on track while still enjoying the magic of the season. Here are five practical tips for keeping your child focused during the holidays:
1. Maintain a Consistent Routine
One of the biggest challenges during the holidays is the disruption of routine. With family members visiting, holiday events and later bedtimes, children can quickly lose their sense of structure. Maintaining a predictable schedule, especially on school days, helps create stability, which is essential for staying focused. Try to keep consistent wake-up times, meal times, homework blocks and bedtimes. Even if holiday activities run later than usual, returning to your routine the next day helps your child stay grounded.
2. Create a Calm, Distraction-Free Homework Space
Holiday decorations and festive noise can make it difficult for children to concentrate at home. Setting up a designated homework spot signals to your child when it’s time to focus. Choose a quiet, well-lit area with limited distractions—no TV, no loud conversations and minimal holiday clutter. Stock it with everything they need, such as pencils, paper and any school materials. Having a dedicated space promotes concentration.
3. Break Tasks Into Manageable Pieces
Holiday excitement can make schoolwork feel overwhelming. When your child is ready to enjoy the holiday festivities but faces a project that feels too big or daunting, they may become discouraged and distracted. Breaking tasks into smaller, achievable steps helps them stay engaged. For example, divide a book report into reading, outlining, drafting and editing days. Break math worksheets into 10-minute focus sessions followed by short breaks. Using techniques like the Pomodoro Method (20 minutes of focus, 5 minutes of rest) can help children stay focused without getting burnt out.
4. Balance Schoolwork With Holiday Fun
It can be easier for your child to stay focused when they know they’ll have time to enjoy holiday activities later. Instead of postponing fun until all schoolwork is finished, build it into the routine. This creates a healthy balance and teaches time management. Here are a few ways to balance holiday fun with schoolwork:
- Read for 20 minutes, then decorate cookies.
- Complete five math problems, then watch a holiday movie.
- Work on homework for 30 minutes, then look at holiday lights in the neighborhood.
5. Encourage Mindfulness and Stress-Relief Habits
The holiday season, while joyful, can also be overstimulating. Children may feel tired, anxious or emotionally overwhelmed—all of which can affect focus. Simple mindfulness practices can help reset their mood and improve their concentration.
Encourage your child to practice mindful activities, such as:
- Deep breathing exercises
- Listening to calming music
- Stretching or light movement
- Taking short outdoor breaks
- Journaling
These habits help children manage holiday stress while staying mentally prepared for school tasks. Even a few minutes a day can make a big difference.
The holidays don’t have to derail your child’s focus or academic progress. By maintaining routines and striving for a healthy balance, you can help your child finish the semester strong—without missing out on the joys of the season. With the right support, children can stay engaged in school while still embracing everything that makes this time of year special. At Lake Forrest Prep, our Orlando preparatory school strives to provide a supportive, balanced environment for students to thrive. Learn more about our campus culture or contact us online to schedule a tour.