How To Prepare Your Child For High School

Behind every nervous and excited child soon to be heading off to high school, there is a parent or caregiver that is equally (but a little more quietly) nervous and excited.

If you’ve already happened to find yourself at that time in your life when you’re going to have to let your child grow up just that little bit extra, it’s natural to be anxious. Actually, it’s good. Because it means you know a big change is coming and are ready to do what it takes to help them transition into this transformative period of their life.

Although a parent or caregiver’s support is undoubtedly valuable, it’s important not to be too controlling or overwhelming. So, apart from holding their hand as you walk them into their very first day of high school and deliver them to the classroom door, there are a few things you can do that will not only reassure you that your child is ready to go, but also sets them up for their new journey to independence.

1. BE ORGANISED

Before you can prepare your child, you need to prepare yourself.

Visit the school’s website, their social media pages and chat with other parents to find out all the key dates, events and supplies your child will need before the beginning of term.

Buy the books, fill the pencil case and purchase the uniform and the (correct) shoes!

Most importantly, involve your child in this process. It will get them practising good organisational habits and excite them for the upcoming year.

2. SHARE YOUR WISDOM

You’re probably aware of the ups and downs of a high school education yourself, from the workload to the friendship dramas. Pass this information on!

It’s a good idea to give them a heads-up about:

• changes they are likely to experiences with friendship groups
• the surprisingly large size of their new cohort
• the decrease in assistance they’ll receive from teachers, and
• the increased workload

Tell them everything you wished someone had told you!

3. GET THEM UP TO SPEED

The sudden lack of guidance and the overwhelming amount of assignments are some of the trickiest parts of high school to adjust to, but it’s an area you as a parent/caregiver have the power to make easier!

• External education services such as tutoring centres offer programs specifically aimed at familiarising your child with new teaching methods and curriculums. Enrolling them in a tutoring class before the new term even begins is a guaranteed way to ease the shock of those first few weeks and give their marks an early boost. This will also ensure they have the confidence and skills to tackle this new chapter in their life.

4. LET THEM GO (AT LEAST FROM 9-3, 5 DAYS A WEEK)

High school is going to be a major part of your child’s life. It is where they are going to spend the majority of their young adult days, and these days are going to shape who they become as a person.

Let that happen.

Following these four simple (but very important) steps will not only guarantee your child will walk into their new classroom with the right books, shoes and bag, but also with a ready mind and an optimistic outlook. It all begins with the preparation, so prepare now!