Getting Kids Ready for Middle & High School

A middle school or high school student may act like an old hand at the “back to school” drill. And maybe he is if he’s returning to the same school. But for many of our children, it’s going to be a whole new experience. Fun and scary all in one.

For tweens, moving to middle school from the security of elementary school can be exciting and overwhelming. The same goes for students entering high school for the first time. Being thrown into a new environment, apart from what is routine and comfortable can be challenging. When the familiar is left behind, both excitement and anxiety increase.

The physical environment of middle and high schools is generally different from the comfort of elementary school. Navigating crowded hallways with older, bigger kids can be intimidating. Moving to multiple classes with a variety of teachers and the increased amount and difficulty of homework can be challenging for many tweens and teens. Have reasonable expectations for your child. Help him set attainable goals. Keep in mind a student’s junior year of high school tends to be the most stressful with a heavy academic load, ACT/SAT exams, and college visits on the horizon.

And then there’s the fact that the tween/teen brain continues to develop. Rational thought and impulse control areas are not yet fully developed,which can result in high-risk behaviors. Open communication with kids helps. Have dinner together as a family to talk about the day, friends, classes, successes, and challenges.

Often a tween’s peer group begins to change throughout middle and high school too. Differing interests, classes, and more kids to become friends with are a few of the reasons. Discuss the opportunities for new friendships. Encourage you child to just be himself. He will find friends. Once he does, get to know the friends. Be the house the kids choose to hang out at most often. Always have food and beverages on hand to feed hungry tweens and teens. With your child, have ongoing candid conversations about drugs, alcohol, and sex. State your expectations. Be watchful. Even the most diligent parents can be caught unaware. Keep home a safe haven with open arms and unconditional love.

Try these additional tips to make the transition easier for your tweens, teens, and you!

Tips to Transitioning into Middle & High School
• Attend the Open House. Encourage students to get to know the staff. Introduce yourself to the teachers and administrators too.
• Get the student’s schedule prior to the first day of class. Allow time to walk the halls to find classrooms and the cafeteria. A map of the school is helpful to determine the fastest route between classes. Locate restrooms, the locker room, the main office, and the health office.
• Find the child’s locker and try the lock several times.
• Read newsletters and other school communication. Keep the website, phone numbers, and email addresses for teachers handy for your child.
• Help your child create a homework routine and a space to do homework. Keep necessary items in close proximity.
• Make sure your child is getting enough rest and eating healthy meals.
• Pray with and for your child to be confident in the transition whether it’s to a new school or back to the same building. There are bound to be challenges either way. We cannot go with them, but we know Who will!

…fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

© 2014 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.

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