Tips on Teens Going Back to School (Middle & High School)

As much as we wonder where the summer has gone, many kids (and parents) are anxious for the new school year to begin.  The kids miss seeing their friends and are excited for what the new school year is going to bring.  Parents are excited to get back some of their own time and get back into a routine of some sort - I know I am!  Once we've received the school schedules and have all the necessary supplies, how do we help our kids have the best year yet as they head off for that first day of school?

As parents, there are several things we can do to help our teens ease back into the swing of school:

1. Talk to your teen.  Ask them about their day, their new friends, their new teachers, do they have any classes with their old friends.  Ask open-ended questions, these are questions that require more than a yes or no answer.  For example, instead of asking "Did you have a good day?" you may want to ask "What happened today that was exciting or fun?" or "What/Who is your favorite _______ and why?"  Fill in the blank with class, subject, teacher, etc.  You get the idea.  Even if your teen doesn't want to have a real discussion with you it's important that you show interest in their day and they'll be glad to know that you are interested (whether they express that to you or not).
2. Have a home environment that encourages learning.  Does your teen have a place to do their homework where they can focus and concentrate?  Do they have the supplies they need - their scientific calculator, paper, pens, pencils, etc.?  It is important that they know where everything is so they are not wasting study time searching for what they need.
3. Make sure your teen knows that school work is a priority.  It's great to be involved in other activities but as they get into high school their grades are a very important piece for their educational future so they need to be aware of the importance of their grades and activities.
4. Set boundaries and routines.  Sure our teens think they're grown and can handle their own schedules but let's face it, they're not quite there yet in terms of maturity.  Sit down with your teen and establish ground rules around homework, extracurricular activities, chores, curfew and even bedtime or the morning routine.  Set rules that are fair to both of you.  Working on this together will give you peace of mind and will also show your teen that you respect them and acknowledge their decision-making abilities (and boosting their self-confidence).
5. Be organized.  Being organized is critical to their success.  There are many types of planners and organizational tools available today.  Organizational skills will also benefit your teen as they get older and enter the workforce.
6. Parent Behavior.  Believe it or not, our teens get to a point where they expect us to behave in a certain way.  Whether it's not kissing them when we're at the school or not reprimanding or embarrassing them in front of their peers or it could be as simple as knocking on their bedroom door before entering.  These are all important areas to discuss and be open about.
7. Encourage your teen to get involved.  If your teen expresses interest in joining a club or sport, support that decision.  Sports can be a great outlet for your teen to maintain health and fitness and gain new skills; clubs can be great to help your child with self-expression and additional learning opportunities in a fun setting.  All will offer your teen the chance to meet new friends and try new things.  Getting involved in school activities is beneficial on many levels.  Studies show that students that are involved in their school are more likely to get better grades.
8. Be there.  Share in the good times but also be there for them to lean on you through the not so good times.  These teen years will be filled with ups and downs and with your support you can help ease some of those not so good times teens are sure to encounter. 

What do you do with your teen to prepare for the new school year? 

Have a great start to the new school year!

Tammy Potosky (Teen Coach Tammy) is a teen life coach and learning professional. She works with teens and young adults empowering them to make better choices and live successful lives. Her mission is to: help teens feel more comfortable with themselves and to get along better with friends and others; assist in identifying their life goals and direction; prepare young adults to have the life skills needed to achieve their goals in life; and for parents to help maintain balance and enjoy life with their teens and all life has to offer. Tammy helps her clients achieve these results through one-on-one coaching, group coaching and workshops. For more information please visit http://www.TeenCoachTammy.com.