If you are reading this, chances are your child is about to become a teen. A teen already, I know! It seems like yesterday you were holding their hands and taking them to their first day of school, and now they are graduating middle school and are about to embark on their high school experience.
As parents, it’s normal to feel nervous about guiding your student through this new chapter in their lives, especially when all they seem to want is independence. We’ve all been through similar dilemmas when facing an important transition like this one. So you might be wondering how to support them while also providing the space they need to make their own decisions? Here are four tips on how to help your teen start high school on the right foot!
Knowledge Is Power
Boost your student’s confidence by helping them become familiar with the school before the first day of class. Visit the school’s website or their Schola profile to get all the information about the school policies, calendar, staff, and school building layout. Identify essential areas like the cafeteria, central offices, auditorium, school nurse, and classrooms. Use Google Maps or drive around the school campus to know the area. If your student will ride the bus or any other type of public transportation, you can make a “practice trip” so they are well aware of where they need to go. These efforts will help them feel more comfortable and can be very useful in case of an emergency.
Get Involved
Support your teen’s academic efforts by getting involved. Volunteering and attending the school’s open house or parent-teacher conferences are great ways to stay informed. Being an active part of their extracurricular activities can be a wonderful bonding opportunity for both parents and students. But remember, while some teens will embrace having their parents be part of their school events, others won’t, so finding what works for your family is essential to provide the proper support for your child.
Instill Responsibility
Planning and prioritizing tasks are both crucial for success at any high school. Keeping a calendar of their academic and extracurricular commitments will help the entire family stay on top of the new schedule and plan to meet any upcoming deadlines. If you notice that grades are starting to slip, try to identify together why it is happening and what resources can help them reach their full potential. Giving students the autonomy to choose these resources will show them that you trust their opinion and inspire them to become proactive decision-makers in their own lives.
Their Wins Are Yours Too
It takes great courage to try new things! So take the time to show that you trust and support your student. Do catch-ups to talk about what they are excited about, their academics, and social life; they are all essential to succeed. Finally, have fun together by celebrating big or small milestones, like making it through the first week of school, handing in a project on time, or deciding to join a sports team. When we show our children that we are proud of them, it fosters their confidence and self-esteem.
Lastly, prepare yourself. It can sometimes be harder for us than for our students to make significant academic transitions like this one. Keep in mind that children are more resilient and adaptable than parents give them credit for. If your objectives are that your teen is safe, happy, and well equipped to develop both academically and socially, make sure to embrace open communication with the school staff. They can be your best allies by helping you stay informed and engaged in your child’s educational journey.
Giving your child the best high school experience starts with placing them in the right school. Are you still searching for the ideal high school for your child? On Schola.com, you can get all the information and details about high schools in your area, and take ScholaMatch to get matched to the right high school for your teen. Schola also travels all over the country visiting schools, so you can get the inside scoop on schools near you by visiting our and YouTube channel. It can feel very sentimental to watch your children grow up, but we are here to support you on this journey. Let’s make next year the best one yet.