April 2021

Starting to Think About High School

By Sean Moore


As we approach the end of our 2020-2021 school year, many students are beginning to think even more about what next year might hold.  It is not too early, even for 7th grade students, to begin thinking about high school.  This is where credits, career preparation, and graduation become the new focus of academics.  For parents, this can be a stressful time of just acknowledging you have a high school student, while continuing to try to mold your child into the adult you hope they will be.  Here are some things to think about as your son or daughter approaches the transition to high school life. 

1. Be present.  What I mean is to remember to be in the moment with your child.  Talk to them about their day by asking them, "what is something interesting that happened or what is something you learned today?"  Asking, "how was your day" often leads to a one word answer and doesn't open the door for conversation and sharing.  Also, be careful not to judge your child as they are discovering who they are.  We are all busy but try not to shut your child out when they try to talk to you since this can discourage teens in the future from reaching out to you.  

2. Encourage exploration.  Middle school and high school is a great time for youth to explore their interests and discover where their talents are.  Students that are forced to stick with something they don't enjoy can sometimes begin to resent that activity or even school.  On the other hand, encouraging students to stick with something that is challenging and hard can also teach persistence, grit, and how to overcome a difficult situation.  Know your child and what they need.  Ever situation is different.  

3. Help your student start taking grades and attendance seriously.  In middle school, a failing grade might not impact a student's future.  However, in high school, a failing grade can influence whether a student gets credit for a class, can negatively impact their grade point average (GPA), and may influence where they can go to college and future decisions.  Start teaching you child positive academic habits.  What we know from research is that success has more to do with grit and a willingness to work hard, than is does with actual ability.  Encourage your child to work hard and they will go far!

4. Acknowledge reality.  There will be things that your child will probably be confronted with in both middle school and high school, including peer pressure, drugs, relationships, academic stress, etc.  Hoping your child will make good choices is not the same as talking to your child about these situations.  Talk at home about peer pressure and how to respond to drugs.  Let them know it is a safe place to talk about their new relationships.  Parental involvement and conversations with their kids can dramatically decrease the risk of your son or daughter experimenting in risky behaviors.  

5. Don't be afraid to ask for help.  Remember that educators are people too and care about your child.  Counselors are often good at keeping an open mind and considering things from multiple perspectives.  Don't be afraid to talk with your student's teacher, counselor, or administrator about that they are dealing with or questions you might have about where they are in their education and development.  

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