High school can be a stressful time for students as they start thinking about college and other post-graduation plans on top of just being teenagers. Parental support can go far in helping these students to succeed, even in small, seemingly insignificant ways. Here are a few tips to help you help your high school student.
- Encourage your teen to eat and sleep well. High school students often stay up late and skip breakfast, but they need fuel to get through the whole school day and retain information. Encourage them to eat breakfast—preferably foods with whole grains, fiber, and protein. Also encourage them to get 8–10 hours of sleep a night if possible. These habits improve memory and concentration while also supporting their physical health.
- Build relationships with your student’s teachers. Get to know your child’s teachers so you understand what is expected of your child and so you all can work together to support your student’s learning. Your efforts open up communication, so if your child is having challenges but hesitates to speak up, you can advocate for them.
- Talk with your teen about their day daily. It’s important to talk to your teen about how their day was every day, including how school went. When you stay informed about their assignments, their challenges, their achievements, etc., you are better equipped to support them through high school.
- Offer help with studying. You don’t necessarily need to understand your teen’s math homework or read their assigned reading, but you can always help them study. Whether you’re just going over flash cards with them before a test or helping them create an efficient and effective study schedule, you can be a big help.