How to keep your kids’ minds on school when summer is in sight.

Toe the line. They may be heading off to school in shorts and tees today, but that doesn’t mean summer arrives tomorrow. So be assertive about the fact that the usual morning routine is still in effect and chores must be done. After all, you’ll still need to maintain a schedule come June.

Show it. Younger kids may not grasp that summer is still weeks away. Use a paper calendar to count down the weeks so they can clearly see how much longer they’ll be in school. Let little ones mark off the days with an X or a sticker.

Reignite motivation. If the “get up, get dressed, eat and get out the door”
routine has lost its luster, perk things up by sprinkling in some pre-summer fun.
Try letting the kids look at possible vacation spots online with you—if they finish getting ready, that is—before heading out.

Source: Tammy Gold, a psychotherapist in New York City.