School is beginning to start across the country. Parents and kids are attending sneak-a-peaks and orientations. The school’s individual Facebook groups have many questions from anxious parents whose kids are just starting to participate in middle or high school. I giggled when some middle school parents were asking questions like, “Does my kid get snack time?” and “I don’t see P.E. on their schedule. Do they get to go outside every day?”
These questions are a stark contrast to the questions of parents whose teens are starting high school. Their questions on Facebook are, “How do I know my kid has the right classes to graduate?”, “Should my teen take A.P. or Honors classes?” and “What is this dual enrollment I hear about?”
As our kids grow older, the questions get more complex. Not only are the questions harder to answer, but they also have a more significant impact. As parents of high schoolers, we know the clock is ticking. Our questions seem like life or death situations. I mean, your teen’s future success lies in the answers to these questions. Yet, many of these questions do not have simple yes or no answers. Many of the answers are based on your teen’s individual needs, wants, and capabilities.
So what is a parent to do? How do we navigate our teens through the next four years and feel confident about their direction?
First, take a deep breath. Yes, it can be overwhelming and confusing. Don’t worry about trying to figure it all out in the first few weeks of school. Here is what you should be looking into during the first few weeks of school, based on your teen’s grade:
Freshman: Review your student’s class schedule. Talk to them about the course load. Is it manageable for them? Will you need to consider tutors? Have your teen create a schedule of all their after-school activities and when they will get study time in.
Sophomore: Start having discussions about what they would like to see for themselves after high school. Do they want to go to college? Are they considering a trade? What careers interest them?
Junior: Start planning college visits, if applicable. Register for the SAT or ACT.
Senior: Create an action plan for sending in college or trade school applications. Find out deadlines and set reminders.
Remember, you are not in this alone. I’m here for you. I want you to feel assured, relieved, and confident about your teen’s future. I can help take the overwhelm out.
It’s time to schedule a complimentary college assessment plan call with me. In this 30 minute call, we will identify you and your teen’s vision about their future, the obstacles keeping you from getting there, and ways to achieve your goals.