How to prepare your child for high school

Becoming a freshman in high school for your child is a big transition. It can be stressful on them. Here are some tips that may help ease this change.

1. Attend orientation day.
   Before the incoming freshman begins their classes, the schools usually have this day to prepare them for high school. Your child may discourage you to attend with them due to peer pressure. It is best for you to attend; it is way to be orientated with how their day-to-day will be like.
2. Be excited!
   Be positive that your child is now attending high school. With your positive attitude and enthusiasm, it may help them transition into high school. Encourage them to let them talk about their experiences as they start high school. Try not to dwell on your past high school experiences!
3. Organize travel arrangements.
   Make sure they have a way to get to school. This will help ease any stress of them traveling independently. Also discuss what may happen if the bus or train does not arrive. Think of back-up transportation.
4. Take them shopping.
   All schools have a dress code set-up for the students. If the school has uniforms, make sure your student have a set of uniforms. If the school does not have uniforms, take them shopping. Buy them clothes that are trendy and do not violate the school's dress code. This is a chance to be able to develop a stronger relationship
5. Support your children, but give them boundaries.
   Encourage your child to sign up for AP*/honors classes and to join school activities. At the same time, regulate on how much they participate in. Your child may feel too overwhelmed with school and activities that they don't have time for themselves.
6. Help your child set up a time schedule.
   This will help your children learn how to manage their time in an efficient manner. Teach them how to balance school, work, and a social life.
7. Encourage your student to familiarize themselves with the local libraries.
   There are many benefits that they can take advantage at the libraries. Some libraries offer free internet access and other free incentives. Speak to your local librarian about what your library has to offer.
8. Introduce yourself to your child's guidance counselor.
   For the next four years you will be working with them to plan your child's college education.
9. Develop a sense of trust with your child.
   Let them know that you trust their judgments but at the same time place boundaries. Ensure your child knows that you will always be there to help them and give them advice.
10. Establish a clear communication channel.
    When discussing difficult topics in today's world (ex: sex, drugs, alcohol), try not to begin with "we need to talk." Don't set yourself up so that your child will zone you out and not listen to what you have to say to them. Integrate these topics with your everyday conversations.
11. Know your children's friends and their parents.
    Exchange home phone numbers so it will be easy to communicate with each other in the case of an emergency. Also, this will allow you to know who is influencing your child's behavior because high school can be very impressionable.
12. Don't force your child to attend college.
    College is not for everyone but realize there are other options for your child's future. You may save a lot of money by not forcing your child into something they don't want to do.