Lesson 1: High School Overview
Aiming for Independence
High school is a time of great change for your child – emotionally, physically, mentally, socially and academically. You, as the parent, must monitor his/her progress and encourage more adult-like behavior. Set standards. Be clear in your expectations for your child. Make sure your child understands your concerns. Be prepared for some negotiations. This is not only to be expected, but healthy for the entire family and part of the maturation process. Set realistic academic goals. Encourage new friends and experiences. Talk to your child. Keep yourself in the loop of his/her life. Work, together, on good study habits: planning, preparation time, reading skills, homework. Allow your child a bit more freedom, while also requiring additional responsibility.
Course Selection
One fact that sometimes eludes potential college applicants is that every mark received in high school is sent to the college of your choice. Freshman English is listed right next to Advanced Biochemistry. They all count towards the final class ranking and weighted average. Encourage your child in several areas academically:
1) Take the courses necessary for graduation
2) Take courses which are challenging (advanced placement, college tie-in, honors)
3) Take a course or two related to their area of interest
4) Take some courses outside the area of expertise to broaden his/her horizons or just have some fun.
Rounding Out the Individual
Most colleges want students who are well-rounded. Being ranked #1 in the graduating class is impressive, but the #20 student who is also class president and a member of the soccer team might draw more recruiter interest. Life is not based only on book knowledge. It is your job as the parent to help your child achieve a reasonable balance, while acknowledging his/her strengths and likes and encouraging a healthy respect for time management, his dislikes and weaknesses. “Too many cooks spoil the broth” can be paraphrased to: Too many activities ruin a high school career.
Graduation requirements are still based on academic accomplishment. Sports ability can enhance the experience and give those with less than stellar grades a sense of pride. Those who have limited athletic prowess can still round out their high school education by joining various committees and clubs. The choices are endless: student government, gaming clubs, fine arts clubs, fund-raising committees, political activities, community-help organizations, academic specialties. There are also activities outside the school: scouting, religious groups, intramural sports and volunteer opportunities.
Work is also an “outside activity”. It teaches responsibility, requires following directions, taking orders from another adult or peer and offers the chance to make some money and practice time management. While most states have age and time requirements for high school students, “off-the-book” jobs, such as babysitting, cutting the neighbor’s grass are available to industrious younger teens. It is probably not advisable to allow your high school freshman to work too many hours. Let him/her adjust to school first, activities second and finally, limited working hours during sophomore year or during school or summer vacations.
