High Schooler Burnout? Any Tips?

[Anonymous]

So my high schooler son is really grinding hard. He is doing great in classes, generally, also does a sport that is effectively year-round. He always has assignments, make-up assignments, test prep, etc. He mostly manages it all, which I could not have at sixteen. Occasionally he misses a thing, but almost always he is really doing amazing.

But recently it seems like his efficacy is slipping. His work rate has never been that efficient, he just puts in more time and gets through it. Of course we tell him, "work fast, get to 'done' and then go back and fix things," but he just has never been able to work any other way than moving-at-the-speed-of-full-understanding.

But now he seems to be working slower and slower, and the way he talks about his work sounds like someone who is burning out. He's motivated at the bigger picture level but day to day is getting to be a downer. I can tell he wants time off, it's just not available yet. Not really. If he can just hold on for a month, this all goes away.

What have your experiences been at helping a high schooler manage what looks like burnout? Has anything been helpful?

[Anonymous]

There are three weeks left-- he's tired. Just let him grind it out.

[Anonymous]

I would take a hard look at his sleep schedule and device use. Without enough sleep he will not be able to work efficiently.

Talk with him about what can be eliminated from his schedule, and ways he thinks he can work more efficiently. Some kids do better with a carrel in a public library or something, away from distractions of home.

[Anonymous]

There is a book called Under Pressure, it's about teen girls but has a ton of good advice.

[Anonymous]

It’s not possible to permanently work at 100%. This leaves no surge capacity.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like he is burning out.

I would change course next year because it is not going to get easier. Drop the sports or take a few less demanding classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sounds like he is burning out.

I would change course next year because it is not going to get easier. Drop the sports or take a few less demanding classes.

+1 He needs to just grind it out this year because it's too late to change anything, but I'd help him scale back for next year.

[Anonymous]

Look into what can be taken pass/fail without harming his GPA next year.