High school is such a fun, yet confusing time of life. Hormones are raging, social skills are developing, attitudes are forming, values are being challenged and changed on the daily. How can you work to ensure that your child has the best transition from middle school to high school despite all that is going on? Check out our tips to ease that transition, not only for your student but also for you!
Check it Out in Advance
We simply cannot stress how important this step is. It is so difficult to enter an unknown place for the first time and be expected to keep it all together. Many schools offer tours for prospective students in the spring of their 8th grade year. Take advantage of this time to make sure that your student is comfortable with the school. You could even work with the school counselor to arrange another time to come and walk around the building and talk to the teachers if you need to.
Encourage Self-Advocacy
This is the time where your student really needs to learn to speak up for him or herself. Encourage them to speak with their teachers when they have questions or problems and to attend tutoring sessions. Many students fail to ask questions because they fear the social consequences. Work to have your student work pass that and get the answers they need to be successful.
Encourage Involvement
Social life is so important in high school. Encourage your student to get involved in extracurricular activities like band, sports, or clubs. Not only will it help them to meet like minded friends, but it can also help to build their college resumé.
List Out Goals
Sit down with your student prior to the start of high school and have a serious talk about his or her goals. What are their plans after high school? What kind of GPA do they need to earn every year to make it to their next step after high school? What steps do they need to complete in this coming year to get them closer to their goals? Write some simple, clear, and obtainable goals down and bring them out throughout the school year to assess how they are doing. This will help your student stay focused and encouraged throughout their high school career.
High school does not have to be stressful for students or parents. A little effort put in at the beginning of your student’s high school career can go a long way in preparing them for life after high school, keeping them focused on their goals, and in making sure that it is an enjoyable phase for everyone.
