Middle school and junior high school students often experience lots of different emotions prior to entering the world of being a full-fledged high schooler. This is a significant rite of passage for many teens and should be treated as such by parents. Often this transition is quite scary for teens, considering the unfamiliar surroundings, higher expectations and the fear of anonymity they can expect to face. There are many things that can parents can do though to help their teens through this difficult time.
How can you help your teen transition to high school with minimal stress? The role you play in your teen's transition to high school can be crucial in how much stress your teen has to deal with. Here are some tips on what to do and what not to do to help them.
Listen to your teen. Parents need to actually listen to their teens and not discount how they are feeling. Change is often very frightening and the transition to high school is no exception. By telling your teen "it will be ok" you are discounting his or her fears. Instead, reassure them that he or she is not alone in this process or in feeling the way he or she does. You need to be a listening ear, emotional security blanket and an unwavering support.
Get your teen involved. When teens are involved in some extracurricular activities, it promotes a sense of belonging. These activities can include sports, clubs and theatre. Encourage your teen to get involved in school activities which foster a sense of place, teamwork and ultimately, confidence. This will help your teen feel more included during the high school years.
Help orient your teen. There are many ways to help orient your teen to his or her new surroundings. Some school districts will have orientation programs to transition to high school. These programs may include trying out locker combinations, locating classrooms and getting comfortable with the school. Some schools will give out class schedules ahead of time, so if your teen receives one, suggest that he or she go to the school and walk through it as if it was a normal day. This might ease the apprehension for the first day. Also, if your teen is now required to take public transportation to school, sit down with him or her and plan the route in advance. You may also want to have a trial run with your teen to avoid any issues he or she might face, especially in the case of taking multiple buses.
Focus on details. The more that parents focus on details the more likely that day one will go better for the teen. Check your teen's class schedule when he or she receives it for any errors that have been made. Check your teen's transportation plan to make sure it is reasonable. By you focusing on the details, you can give some guidance and stress relief to your teen.
Be patient. Parents should be patient with their teens adjusting to the new curriculum. In high school there are higher academic standards and increased competition which may take some time to adjust to. Give your teen a few months to settle into high school before really starting to get concerned about his or her grades.