Handling Your Child’s First Day In High School

It can be a difficult experience to have the first day in high school, for both children and adults, as there are changes in both routine and environment.

The first day in high school can often be a scary experience. However, it is important to keep in mind that this does not have to be the case. There are some basic reservations you can take to make your day as anxiety free as possible.

The reason the first day of high school can be stressful is that it involves a new chapter in a child’s life. In this article, we will offer some advice that can ensure that it all goes smoothly. This transition to high school should ultimately be seen as a positive experience.

First day of high school: Tutors can play an important role

Your children will have to study harder and become more independent. It is important to encourage them to take advantage of the resources that the school is able to offer. A tutor can be someone they can trust and someone who can guide them through the first day, as well as the rest of the school year.

A tutor can be a vital part of a teenager’s experience in high school, and it can be a helpful figure for your child’s future. Encourage your child to approach a tutor and ask questions. Your child should also keep in mind that there are opportunities to participate in counseling if the need arises.

It may be the case that your child thinks that the teachers in the high school and the tutors will be more unapproachable and demanding. That is not necessarily the case. Teachers and tutors have the same goals as those in primary school: to facilitate education. They will also be there to provide support when needed.

University goals can wait

Many students start their first day in high school already thinking about the university career that awaits them after graduation. They want to become doctors, computer scientists, educators, etc. 

These goals may change over time. It is important to remind your children of this order so that it gives them more peace of mind when they begin this new stage. Their serenity will also mean less stress for you.

Expectations for high school

A great way to make things easier for you and your kids is to  talk to them about your expectations for this new chapter. It can include grades and personal behavior.

Ask about the leisure activities they would like to do and how much time they think this will require. If everything is made clear from the beginning, the first day will be a more positive experience. 

Communication

It is extremely important to establish clear communication with your children. They should also know how to get in touch with you from school if they need this. Such a thing has to be established from the first day of school.

Both parents and children need to know about the school’s policy regarding mobile phones. For example, there are some schools that require the phones to be turned off and used only in the event of an emergency. Others simply demand that they be silenced and that students not use them during class.

Schedules for high school

With new classes, new leisure activities, a new, social life and the need for rest,  your children will have a much fuller schedule. This is something that should be made very clear before they begin.

Do not assume that your children ignore you because they are less communicative  and spend less time with you. They are probably just trying to find their way in a new environment, embracing new responsibilities and new surroundings.

First day of high school: do not try to solve all your children’s problems

Among other things, growing up is about taking responsibility for your own actions. This is an important consideration when starting high school. While you can listen, offer suggestions and give advice,  do not try to solve all your children’s problems. 

You need to make it clear to your children that you want to be there when they need you, but that you do not want to hug them. They need to learn that they need to solve problems on their own, but also that you trust them. It will boost their confidence.

In short,  being informed about all that high school entails is the best thing for all involved. It will allow you to deal with the dreaded, first day of high school much easier. By following these basic guidelines, the rest of the year should also go better.