The first year of high school can be traumatic for a child. Though middle school prepares students to become more independent and responsible, the fast pace to which they must quickly adjust in high school can be intimidating. The high school years are an important time for a parent to be involved, but from a discreet distance so that the student learns autonomy and self-confidence.
Considerations
Parental involvement is a delicate balancing act. Too much involvement can stifle a student's self-determination skills; too little involvement and a student might feel suddenly abandoned, especially if the parent was previously very involved. Throughout high school, be cognizant of whom your child is spending time with and in what extracurricular activities your child shows interest.
Significance
According to the National Education Association, parents are a student's best advocate for success. Parents who volunteer, connect with other parents, engage in community activities that involve the school and keep lines of communication open will likely have a well-adjusted student.
Prevention/Solution
Communication you and your teenager is a challenge because teenagers tend to draw back from parents during the high school years. Parents should not be surprised that their child does not tell them every single detail of their day. However, a parent can listen attentively whenever their child decides to open up and talk. Listening without passing judgment not only models respect, it encourages further discourse. Listening may literally save your child's life if drugs and/or alcohol are involved.
Potential Opportunity
To prepare a student for higher education---a four-year, a two-year or vocational college---encourage your child to take classes that are challenging, suggests the Family Involvement Partnership for Learning. This is a great opportunity for you to step in and help your child acquire the necessary resources and tools to achieve success. Resources can be family members who might have expertise in a particular field, community museums, libraries or the Internet.
Insight
Get to know the school faculty and join the local parent-teacher organization. By involving themselves in decisions that effect their child's education, parents can feel empowered and this is passed down to the student. Parent-teacher group meetings are also a way to gain insight into the values and ideas of other parents. Additionally, getting to know the teachers right from the start makes it much easier if and when there are times when your child may be struggling with a particular class.
Effects
High school is never an easy time for either parent or child, but potential problems can be minimized if all parties involved agree to listen and communicate openly. High-school students want to be taken seriously; they watch how the adults around them respond and test boundaries. It's part of your child's learning how to become a mature, contributing member of the community.
