On Krishna’s first day of high school, Nalini stood at the entrance, marveling at how grown-up he looked in his new clothes. As she watched him confidently stride toward his classroom, she couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and apprehension.
"Krishna, wait!" Nalini called out, hurrying after him.
"Yeah, Mom?" Krishna turned, adjusting his backpack.
Nalini hesitated, then pointed to the crumpled class schedule in his hand. "Do you know where your classes are?"
Krishna grinned sheepishly. "Uh, sort of."
“What do you mean? Haven’t you checked your schedule?”
“I left it at home,” Krishna said while waving her goodbye.
Nalini chuckled nervously, realizing that while Krishna looked ready to conquer high school, there might be a few bumps in the road to navigate along the way.
High school is a completely different experience from middle school, with tougher classes and a wider range of extracurricular activities. It gives your child the opportunity to explore their interests more deeply, which can be challenging but also helps them grow personally and academically. Both kids and parents often feel pride and concern as they deal with more independence and new challenges. This article will offer strategies to help your child successfully navigate this important stage in their life.
Tips for Starting High School
Encourage Independence
Many parents continue to wake their child up for school until they leave for college. High school is an ideal time for your child to start setting their own alarm and waking up independently if they haven't already. It’s also a good opportunity to teach them how to use a planner or digital calendar to manage their classes, assignments, extracurricular activities, and deadlines. Begin by assisting them in setting up their planner, then gradually allow them to take full control. Periodically check in to ensure they stay organized and on track.
Establish a study routine
Help your child establish consistent study and homework routines by encouraging them to set aside dedicated time each day for these tasks. Support them in creating a structured schedule while remaining flexible to adjust the times as needed based on changes in their activities or workload.
Self-care
Encourage your child to develop healthy ways to cope with stress, such as practicing mindfulness, engaging in hobbies, or talking about their feelings. Because this is also the time for growth spurts and changing bodies, emphasize the importance of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. Remind them to maintain good hygiene and be aware of issues like body odor and managing periods. This is going to be a slightly awkward conversation, but it’s an important one!
Explore interests and passions
High school is an excellent time for students to explore their interests and passions. Participating in activities like clubs, sports, arts, and community involvement promotes personal growth and helps students discover new talents. Participation in extracurricular activities helps your child develop valuable skills like leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. Help your child to balance their hobbies with their studies to create a well-rounded high school experience. Encourage effective time management so they can enjoy extracurriculars while maintaining good academic performance.
Prepare for the Social Transition
Children go through a period of major social transition in high school where they meet new people and learn to deal with the new social dynamics. At this age, it’s easy to get lost in the wrong crowd as well as in the noise of what’s cool and what’s not. We all know that peer pressure can lead teenagers to say yes to uncomfortable or dangerous situations if they don't have a strong sense of self.
This could be the time to talk about their strengths, quirks, and areas for improvement to empower them to be their true and best self. Encourage them to seek positive, supportive friendships with those who share positive values. Teach them to be empathetic and respectful, as this will help them build meaningful and lasting relationships.
Address Anxiety and Concerns
Transitioning to high school means new teachers, classmates, and environment. The best way to help your child is by being present for them during this time of big changes. Create a safe space for them to express their feelings without judgment. Are they worried about getting lost on their first day? Or that they’re going to be the shortest kid in school? Reassure them that it's normal to feel anxious, not with the intent of making the anxiety go away, but as an opportunity for them to process these feelings.
If your child is having difficulty adjusting to high school, HabitCoach is here to help! Our executive function coaches would be happy to support your child and your family during this big transition.
