Search
Simple blood test can forecast Alzheimer’s years before memory loss-Click HereBabies exposed to far more “forever chemicals” before birth than scientists knew-Click HereAir pollution linked to higher Alzheimer’s risk in 28 million older Americans-Click HereDoctors implant dopamine-producing stem cells in Parkinson’s patients-Click HereBrain development may continue into your 30s, new research shows-Click HereThe nearsightedness explosion may be fueled by dim indoor light, not just screens-Click HereViagra and shingles vaccine show surprising promise against Alzheimer’s-Click HereIntermittent fasting fails to beat standard dieting for weight loss-Click HereAncient DNA solves 12,000-year-old mystery of rare genetic growth disorder-Click HereToxic metals found in bananas after Brazil mining disaster-Click HereSports concussions increase injury risk-Click HereUncovering a cellular process that leads to inflammation-Click HereNew study links contraceptive pills and depression-Click HereA short snout predisposes dogs to sleep apnea-Click HereBuilding a new vaccine arsenal to eradicate polio-Click HereThe Viking disease can be due to gene variants inherited from Neanderthals-Click HereQatar Omicron-wave study shows slow decline of natural immunity, rapid decline of vaccine immunity-Click HereMore than a quarter of people with asthma still over-using rescue inhalers, putting them at increased risk of severe attacks-Click hereProgress on early detection of Alzheimer’s disease-Click HereDried samples of saliva and fingertip blood are useful in monitoring responses to coronavirus vaccines-Click HereDietary fiber in the gut may help with skin allergies-Click HereResearchers discover mechanism linking mutations in the ‘dark matter’ of the genome to cancer-Click HereDespite dire warnings, monarch butterfly numbers are solid-Click HereImmunotherapy may get a boost-Click HereArtificial intelligence reveals a never-before described 3D structure in rotavirus spike protein-Click HereRecurring brain tumors shaped by genetic evolution and microenvironment-Click HereCompound shows promise for minimizing erratic movements in Parkinson’s patients-Click HereConsuming fruit and vegetables and exercising can make you happier-Click HereCOVID-19 slows birth rate in US, Europe-Click HereLink between ADHD and dementia across generations-Click HerePreventing the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury-Click HereStudy details robust T-cell response to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines — a more durable source of protection-Click HereArtificial color-changing material that mimics chameleon skin can detect seafood freshness-Click HereNeural implant monitors multiple brain areas at once, provides new neuroscience insights-Click HereB cell activating factor possible key to hemophilia immune tolerance-Click HereMasks not enough to stop COVID-19’s spread without distancing, study finds-Click HereAI can detect COVID-19 in the lungs like a virtual physician, new study shows-Click HerePhase 1 human trials suggest breast cancer drug is safe, effective-Click HereRe-engineered enzyme could help reverse damage from spinal cord injury and stroke-Click HereWeight between young adulthood and midlife linked to early mortality-Click HereIncreased fertility for women with Neanderthal gene, study suggests-Click HereCoronavirus testing kits to be developed using RNA imaging technology-Click HereFacial expressions don’t tell the whole story of emotion-Click HereAcid reflux drug is a surprising candidate to curb preterm birth-Click HereTreating Gulf War Illness With FDA-Approved Antiviral Drugs-Click HereHeart patch could limit muscle damage in heart attack aftermath-Click HereA nap a day keeps high blood pressure at bay-Click HereIn small groups, people follow high-performing leaders-Click HereTick tock: Commitment readiness predicts relationship success-Click HereA comprehensive ‘parts list’ of the brain built from its components, the cells-Click HereResearchers confine mature cells to turn them into stem cells-Click HereNew tissue-imaging technology could enable real-time diagnostics, map cancer progression-Click HereEverything big data claims to know about you could be wrong-Click HerePsychedelic drugs promote neural plasticity in rats and flies-Click HereEducation linked to higher risk of short-sightedness-Click HereNew 3D printer can create complex biological tissues-Click HereThe creative brain is wired differently-Click HereWomen survive crises better than men-Click HerePrecise DNA editing made easy: New enzyme to rewrite the genome-Click HereFirst Time-Lapse Footage of Cell Activity During Limb RegenerationStudy Suggests Approach to Waking Patients After Surgery
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 Ivanhoe Broadcast News, Inc.

Beat The Feb Funk: Speak Smart To Your Kids

0
By on Children Parenting Smart Living

Orlando, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Teachers have a name for February — they call it “Slump Month.” Research shows this is when students’ motivation, mood, and even grades can dip mid-school year. The combination of cold, gray weather, a heavier academic load and no big breaks in sight can make even the most driven kids struggle. But there are ways to help them reset.

So how can parents help kids climb out of the slump?

Try “What was the best part of your day?” It encourages kids to scan their brains for positives. Answering this question helps them build optimism and gratitude.

If they’re feeling sad or upset, ask “what’s one thing that would have made today better?” It helps identify feelings like frustration without dwelling and opens the door to problem-solving and planning.

Another strategy, stop praising results. Start noticing progress. Instead of saying “Good job,” try asking “What part was easiest or the most difficult?” Experts say progress questions help kids feel seen, build self-awareness, and stay motivated without pressure or perfectionism.

Another powerful boost? Getting kids involved. Ask if there’s a club, sport, or activity they’d like to try. Research shows students who participate in clubs or extracurriculars tend to have better attendance, higher grades, and more positive attitudes toward learning.

And if February still feels overwhelming, think small.

Experts say instead of focusing on big tasks, help kids break them into micro-goals, short achievable steps they can complete quickly. Those small wins create a sense of accomplishment and can be just the motivation kids need to keep going. And experts say if your child seems withdrawn, irritable, or unmotivated for weeks at a time it may be more than a slump. Checking in with a teacher, school counselor, or pediatrician can help connect families to support early.

Contributors to this news report include: Cliff Tumetel, Producer; Bob Walko, Editor.

To receive a free weekly email on Smart Living from Ivanhoe, sign up at:  http://www.ivanhoe.com/ftk 

Sources:

https://acacoaches.com/academic-coaching/february-slump/#:~:text=No%20wonder%20your%20student%2C%20and,illness%20or%20feeling%20generally%20unwell

https://www.mindworksmemphis.com/blog/a-personal-story-navigating-the-february-slump

https://www.connecticutchildrens.org/growing-healthy/more-blues-kids-and-seasonal-affective-disorder-sad

https://www.child-focus.org/news/what-are-the-benefits-of-getting-your-kids-involved-in-clubs-and-sports/#:~:text=Clubs%20and%20Sports%20Improve%20Academic,are%20essential%20for%20academic%20success.

https://www.mindworksmemphis.com/blog/one-small-change-practical-shifts-to-reignite-motivation

Related Stories