If your is child transitioning to high school, read the thoughts and ideas listed below.
This transition brings with it many uncertainties for students and parents. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when many parents decide to become less involved in their children’s education because their teens are more independent. It is important to let your children make their own decisions, but you still want to be involved in their education. Staying involved can greatly influence your children’s success and confidence, helping them to dive into all the new experiences that come along in the upper grades, as well as building new friendships and setting high expectations for success, in school, in their extracurricular activities, and in life in general.
The first day of school is right around the corner; here's what can you do right now to help with the transition?
Talk with other parents and students about their high school experiences, and find out from them what clubs, teams, activities, and other extra curriculars are available and recommended.
Sit down together and check out the school’s web site.
Ask your teens about their expectations for high school, help them to set high and realistic goals.
Tell your children about your own hopes for their future.
Attend open house, parent orientations, and planning meetings where courses will be chosen.
Encourage your children to meet new people, try a new club or activity (sports, music, art, etc) and develop relationships with students that have those similar interests.
Be aware of your own expectations for a smooth transition and remember that the adjustment will take some time. If your children see that you have confidence in them, they will have a positive outlook as well.
Make sure that your teens know that they can talk to you about any anxieties or questions they may have, and when they do, listen without judgement. Maybe even share your own experiences with similar situations back when you were in high school. Remember to acknowledge accomplishments and give praise of past successes. This will not only make them feel good, but will show them that the door is open to talk. Communication is important right now.
If you are concerned that your teens' anticipation might be causing their anxiety level to be running a bit too high, understand that their reaction is pretty normal with such a big change on the horizon. Equip them with stress reduction techniques: daily meditation, yoga, dancing, progressive muscle relaxation, and positive self-talk, amongst other soothing activities, can help to reduce those butterflies.
We hope that these ideas and tactics are helpful to you. The high school years are important and we want both you and your teens to embrace them with confidence and excitement. Happy first day of school!
