Noch schnell Mathe üben? Was Eltern in der letzten Ferienwoche tun sollten – und was nicht

Parents in Austria should avoid turning into substitute teachers during the final week of summer vacation, according to educational psychologist Marko Lüftenegger, who warns against excessive academic preparation before the school year begins. With classes set to resume in Vienna, Lower Austria, and Burgenland on September 7, many parents are beginning to feel the pressure of ensuring their children are ready for the new term. However, Lüftenegger emphasizes that the last days of vacation should still be treated as leisure time rather than a period of intense study. The phenomenon known as "summer learning loss", where students experience a decline in academic skills over long breaks, is real, Lüftenegger explains. This can affect subjects such as mathematics and reading comprehension. Yet he cautions against the idea that parents need to print worksheets or replicate classroom instruction at home. Instead, he highlights the importance of diverse cognitive and social learning opportunities outside of formal schooling. These include unstructured playtime, social interactions, physical activity, exposure to nature, sufficient sleep, and the freedom for children to engage with activities they find interesting. Lüftenegger argues that these elements contribute more significantly to a child's readiness for school than any last-minute cramming. He advises parents to focus on creating a gradual transition back to routine rather than imposing strict academic demands. A structured daily schedule can help ease the shift from vacation mode to school mode without fostering anxiety or stress. The key, he says, is to maintain a positive mindset, viewing the return to school as a natural progression rather than a return to performance pressures. Sleep patterns are particularly crucial in this transition. Parents should start adjusting bedtime routines several days before the first day of school instead of waiting until the last minute. Lüftenegger recommends a gentle adjustment process, gradually shifting sleep and wake-up times each day. While the clock time of going to bed matters, he stresses that the total amount of sleep received is even more critical. He summarizes this concept simply as "duration over bedtime." The early start of the school year in Austria poses particular challenges for older students, Lüftenegger notes. As children grow, they tend to become more nocturnal, making it difficult for them to maintain focus and perform well in class at 8 o'clock in the morning. This biological shift underscores the importance of allowing children adequate rest and avoiding overly rigid schedules that could exacerbate fatigue. Reducing screen time is another area where parents can make a meaningful impact. Lüftenegger clearly states that children generally require less time spent on electronic devices. Excessive screen exposure can have negative effects on both mental and physical health, including issues related to attention span, posture, and overall well-being. Encouraging alternative forms of entertainment and interaction can support healthier habits and better prepare children for the academic environment. As the end of the summer approaches, parents are advised to balance structure with relaxation, ensuring that their children are neither overwhelmed nor underprepared. By focusing on holistic development rather than academic drills, families can foster a smoother transition back to school life.