High school is an exciting yet nerve-wracking time for many of our kids and soon-to-be-teenagers. That’s partially because of how much can change during the four years of high school, both on an internal individual basis, as well as an external and social basis. Friend groups change, young hearts are broken, interests evolve or diverge, and physical changes seem to happen every other day.
Getting through high school can offer enough pressure in and of itself. Add that to the social anxiety and volatility that high school presents, and it’s no wonder that parents want to prepare their kids for high school in every way they can and to the absolute best of their ability.
The following will offer some guidance on some of the things that every kid should know entering high school.
1. The Basics of a Second Language
World languages usually aren’t taught until high school; this is why some parents will help their kids with how to learn Chinese, Spanish, French, or the basics of another secondary language during elementary or middle school.
Having the basics of a second language down will also help your child gauge their interest level in continuing their education in that language throughout, and possibly beyond, their high school courses. At the same time, though, they may be drawn to a different third language, which they should be free to learn and explore.
On an academic note, having the fundamentals of a second language learned will also help a freshman in high school place out of an introductory language class, which can set them up for more advanced and difficult language classes.
Finally, many language classes also incorporate a bit of cultural and historical learning into the course material as well. This is a good way for students to be exposed to additional cultures around the world and can help them become more well-rounded and cultured people.
2. It’s Okay to Take Risks
Another important lesson that even many adults still need to learn is that it’s okay to take risks. However, this is especially the case in high school and for young students. Don’t be afraid to try out for the football team or audition for the school play or musical. Don’t let your kids miss out on some amazing life and social experiences because they’re too worried about the risk that they’re taking.
Instead, try to be encouraging of risk-taking and offer emotional support when things don’t go exactly as planned. Important lessons can be learned when our kids are encouraged to try and try again, even in the face of failure or adversity.
3. Some Time Management
High school is a major transitional period for most. This is because it can often be the first time in a child’s life that they’re truly coming into independence. They’re learning how to drive, becoming more engaged in sports or other recreational activities, and likely spending more time with their friends and social circles as well.
All of this requires some time management in order for high school students to stay organized and on top of all their obligations. By helping your child learn some basic time management principles in middle school, like how to prioritize, they’ll find it easier to manage their much busier high school schedule.
4. People Change
This is another lesson that just as many adults could benefit from learning as our kids. This is because it’s a hard life lesson that we’re constantly reminded of throughout all of life, not just when we’re in high school.
The simple fact is that people change over time. Their interests may change; one day, they may love orange juice, and the next day, it’s apple juice. It isn’t always fair, and it isn’t always logical, but it’s important for us to help our kids understand that it’s okay for people to drift away from one another, for friendships to end, and as hard as it is, to let go of those people.
5. The Value of Respect
Finally, it’s crucial that kids learn how to communicate with one another and with their teachers as well. This is the value of respect, and it’s important to show it to everyone, not only those we get along with.
See, it’s more than okay that not everyone gets along or agrees with one another, but being able to disagree in a polite and respectful manner is critical to social success throughout life. Understanding this, even a little bit, as a high schooler can completely change the high school experience.
A Few Final Thoughts
High school is far from an easy time in anyone’s life. However, there’s some basic and fundamental knowledge that we can help our kids learn before they venture into some of the hardest and most volatile four years of their life.
