Setting Your Teen Up For a Successful School Year

The school year is officially back in session! By now high school students are settled into classes, but it is not too late to make this year a great success!

Here are somethings that you can do right now to make sure that you set your student up for success this year!

1. Introduce Yourself to Your Teens Teachers-

Whether you prefer email, text message, phone or in-person. It is important for teachers to hear from parents and vice versa. Simple communication initiated by parents lets teachers know that you are a parent that cares.

FYI: Teachers go the extra mile for parents who show they care.

2. Make Yourself Available-

Introducing yourself, to your Teens teacher is a way to open up the lines of communication. However, it is also a way for them to know how to best contact you.

There are many reasons why a teacher may need to contact you outside of bad behavior, such as good behavior, classroom updates or even emergencies. A lot of time, in the high school setting parents phone numbers, have inaccuracies. And, the last thing a parent wants is to be out of the loop when it comes to their Teen!

(Here's a hint if you have not received a phone call from the school yet, it is possible that they have the wrong contact information for you.)

More importantly, make yourself available to your Teen. As a society we often give our Teens a ton of freedom, relying on past lessons, TV and Social Media to keep our kids engaged.

Not only is this dangerous but it has been proven that teens who are lonely or bored make poor decisions. As much as they say they want space, Teens really long for the guidance of adults. So Establish some expectations set a schedule and make yourself available enough to love on your Teen and follow up!

3. The Road to Tomorrow Begins TODAY!

"High School is the best time of your life," they say! Well, it is also a vital time in your teen's life. Many teens have a hard time focusing on life after high school, so we have to help them see past the age 18!

The truth is beginning in 9th grade, EVERY move your teen makes in high school is being recorded. How they perform in High School will determine the number of options they will have after graduation. So, now is a great time to sit down with your Teen to discuss their plans for after high school and create an action plan to get there!

4. Start the Year, Knowing That High School is A Numbers Game

While on the subject of high school action plans, it is imperative to know that High School is a numbers game. Again, beginning in 9th-grade students begin to form a Grade Point Average (GPA) that will follow them throughout high school.

What most students and parents fail to realize is that Colleges and potential jobs begin to look at students in their freshman year of high school. Every aspect of their high school career is considered and can also determine how marketable your Teen is!

So, use this year to teach your Teen how to market themselves. A great way to start is by having great grades.

REMEMBER: Start with a high GPA to maintain a high GPA. Although possible it is hard to pull up a low GPA!

5. Encourage Your Teen to Become Involved in Their School Community in a Positive Way

In addition to great grades, colleges and career recruiters, are super attracted to teens who are well rounded. A well-rounded teen represents a person who is balanced, can manage their time and has a great sense of community. So encourage your teen to play a sport, volunteer daily, join a Special Interest Club or get a job.

6. Start Discussing Post-High School Plans With Your Teen Soon

Finally, start the year with the end in mind. Delve into your teen and really aid them in finding their gifts, passions, and talents. Chances are, you as a parent may know your child better than they know themselves, at this point. So, guide them in finding that perfect career.

Knowing their career interest can serve as a goal for your Teen. Tracking things like College and Career requirements can also be very helpful as you create your Teens High School Action Plan!

#Parents