The transition to high school is difficult for many, including parents. While there is usually not a big difference from Middle School to High School when it comes to the daily schedule of classes, there are other stressors that play a role in the struggles of freshman year.
What is important now is that you stay calm, positive and consistent with how you deal with it. Modeling positive, proactive behavior for your child will teach them more than any textbook ever will, keep that in mind. Besides, chances are that your child is well aware that he/she did not perform to standards. Moving forward, It is key that you create opportunities for your child to bounce back and perform at his/her desired academic level.
Kids must have a consistent study setting. Your child’s study strategies and environment is a good place to start. In your child’s setting, there must be resources readily available. Pencils, pens, tape, highlighters, and other academic resources are important and critical. Procrastination is the number one pitfall to success. Getting up for a snack or to adjust the lighting, or for a beverage can all lead to distractions and procrastination. Encourage your child to have all of these things readily available before beginning his/her work.
The ability to adjust to new schedules and good time management are also predictors to success. Your child’s set schedule from last semester may not work the second semester. Things change. Athletics, theatre arts, clubs and other extracurricular activities can all move the needle. Help your child come up with a set schedule for the remainder of the school year that best suits his/her life. This may mean having to get to school earlier to get work done due to activities after school. Or, your child may have activities going on late at night, which will impact how and when he/she studies and eats dinner.
In the end, validate the transition process by openly communicating with your child. Let him/her know that you are aware of the struggle and that you would like to offer as much support as possible to help him/her have success.
Yours in academic success,
Jesse Gonzalez
