Whether your child is heading off to public school, private school or even if they are homeschooled, getting ready to become a high school student can be a huge adjustment for a teen. Parents can do a lot to ensure their teenagers feel comfortable with the academic and social challenges that come with this new phase of education. As your teen gets ready to make the big step into high school, there are several things you can do to help him make the transition. Being successful in high school requires preparation from an academic standpoint. The confidence that comes from academic success can also help your teen to excel mentally and socially. High school can be a very fun time, and your teen is likely to make friends that will last a lifetime. Here are Seven Ways you can assist your child in getting ready for high school.
1. Take Your Child's Concerns Seriously
Don't blow your child fears about high school off by telling him that "it will be OK" or that you went through the same thing and got through it. For instance, if your teen expresses that he's having problems with high school math, you should do all you can to get your teen the help he needs right away. For instance, online tutoring can help him understand basic math concepts early in the school year. This online option can also make tutoring less awkward for your child.
2. Help Your Teen Learn The Way High School Works
In addition to online tutoring, it's up to you to show your kid the ropes when it comes to getting used to high school. If your child high school has a freshman orientation program, be sure to attend with your child so you can get first-hand information on school policies and academic expectations. The orientation may be the best time for your teen to learn her locker combination and try it out, or to visit some of her new classrooms.The transportation aspects of high school should also be rehearsed with your teen as much as possible. Go over the public transportation or bus schedule with your teen as many times as possible so you can be sure she knows where her stops are.
3. Be an Active Parent
Get involved with all your child activities of interest. Encourage your teen to get involved in extracurricular activities. This helps to foster his social development and gives him a sense of belonging in high school, which helps to form his identity for years to come.
4. Get Prepared for Summer
Keep in mind that your teen is very likely to forget some of what she's learned during summer break. Online math tutoring during the summer can help her keep her skills sharp and even prepare her for the next grade level. This can help to boost your child's confidence and even make her excited to go back to school.
5. Get into the Details
Focus on the small details so that your child's first year in high school will be a successful one. For instance, take some time to look over your child schedule for the school year and go over the classes with him. This helps you to become familiar with the things your teen will be learning. Going over the schedule, and learning a little more about the teachers, can also keep your teen from convincing you that he's supposed to have more recreational or elective classes than he needs.
6. Be Ready for Adjustments
Everything isn't going to run smoothly for your child during the first year of high school. Be prepared by being available to talk to your child about the stresses and confusion that can sometimes come along with being a high school freshman. It's common for your teen to get low grades during 9th grade, but as high school progresses, she'll learn how to do her best and realize her strengths and weaknesses. Encourage your teen to take her first year of high school seriously, but also stress the importance of trying new things and attempting to make good friends.
7. Get Help When You Need It
Your teen may be anxious or even depressed during the first few months of high school. If you notice that this behavior is prolonged, be sure to seek help from a trusted professional. Changes in sleep patterns or feelings of low self-esteem are also common at times during the freshman year. However, getting your teenager the help he needs in the form of online tutoring or other academic assistance can help your child feel more comfortable about going into the new school year.
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