Getting ready for high school ... I graduated years ago, and I still don't feel ready for high school! It's definitely one of the most intense times in a person's life, and there's only so much prep work that can be done for the emotional, physical, and intellectual roller coaster of the high school years.
On the practical side, however, there are some basic skills and habits we can make sure our teens have mastered before school starts that will make things run a little bit more smoothly. Here are 5 easy ways to help your teen starting now. (FYI: None of these tips will help out with first-time crushes or gym class humiliations. In those areas, kids, you're on your own.)
- Make sure your teen can stay focused on one topic or project for at least 40 minutes at a time. This is the length of an average class period.
- Help your teen to pick out a planner. Keeping homework assignments, notes, practice schedules, and everything else straight is much easier with the right tools. The options are endless, from no-tech to futuristic; the important thing is that it helps keep your kid organized.
- Let your teen know it's okay to ask for help. In fact, not only is it okay, it's essential! Some kids think high school means no more raising your hand and asking questions, but the opposite is true. Teach her to speak up!
- Talk about making friends. A huge part of high school, as you no doubt remember, revolves around one's ability to make and keep friends -- this skill can make or break those four years. Get your teen thinking about activities (sports, clubs, etc.) where she can meet like-minded kids.
- Remind her to keep you posted. Whether it's a standardized test or three-day weekend or canned food drive, there will be tons of things happening at your kid's school throughout the year that you'll want to know about (mostly so you can make sure she doesn't forget). Figure out a system for information-sharing now (maybe she comes home and jots down important dates on a bulletin board).
How will you help your teen get ready for high school?
Image via Wonderlane/Flickr
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Comments 19
I'd really focus on a lot of these in middle school, when kids switch from one teacher, one class to multiple classes, lockers, etc. Plus, if a kid is going to get into a sport or music or anything, most of them start during middle school. Kids in high school band, choir, orchestra, and sports are expected to have a pretty good foundation already. I know I'd have felt pretty behind in band if I hadn't already been playing for three years. In 6th grade, we were ALL new to the whole thing.
My kids aren't anywhere near HS.
My kids aren't close to high school yet, but a planner is a very good idea.
All of the above are good tips.My daughter just started high school this week
were not there yet
I have a Sophomore and a Junior this year. Things get pretty intense, but their experience so far has been pretty good.
I don't have a high schooler, but I work in a high school as a counselor. The best advice is to help your child have a nice routine and get lots of sleep and a good breakfast everyday.
I have a pre k, but some of these would work for her!
Good tips, my sd is a senior this year.
These should really start in Jr High. Also have family dinners and ask open ended questions. Not, "how was school?" but "What did youdiscuss in _________?"