When the honeymoon period wears off

For our Year 7 students, the excitement and novelty of starting high school has often settled by now. Students may begin to realise that secondary school requires sustained organisation, independence, emotional regulation and resilience.

Year 8 can bring its own challenges. Peer relationships and belonging can become increasingly important, academic demands continue to grow, and young people are navigating significant developmental changes while beginning to establish a stronger sense of identity.

It is not unusual for families to notice changes such as increased tiredness, irritability, reduced motivation, friendship concerns, difficulty getting to school, physical complaints such as headaches or feeling sick, or a young person simply saying, “I’m fine,” while appearing less like themselves. These changes do not necessarily mean something is seriously wrong, but they can be valuable signals that a young person may need some additional connection and support.

Connection before correction

One of the most powerful things parents and carers can provide during adolescence is a safe place for their young person to land. When teenagers are overwhelmed, immediately trying to solve the problem can sometimes close down the conversation.

Instead, try beginning with curiosity:

“You haven't seemed quite yourself lately. How are things going?”
“What has been the hardest part of school recently?”
“Do you want me to listen, help you work it out, or both?”

Young people do not always need us to have the perfect answer. Often, knowing that an adult can listen calmly, without judgement or immediately trying to fix everything, makes it easier for them to keep talking.

Supporting the foundations

The basics continue to matter enormously for adolescent wellbeing: regular sleep, nutritious meals, movement, downtime, healthy technology boundaries and opportunities for positive connection with family and friends.

Predictable routines can be particularly helpful when life feels demanding. Encourage your young person to prepare for the school day the night before, break larger assessment tasks into manageable steps and ask for assistance early rather than waiting until they feel overwhelmed.

It is also important to notice effort and progress, not just outcomes. Adolescence involves learning how to manage disappointment, mistakes, changing friendships and increasing responsibility. These experiences can become opportunities to develop confidence and resilience when young people know they have supportive adults alongside them.

Keep an eye on changes

Parents and carers know their young people best. Pay attention to significant or persistent changes in sleep, eating, mood, behaviour, friendships, school attendance, motivation or enjoyment of previously valued activities.

Physical complaints can also sometimes accompany stress and anxiety. Repeated headaches, stomach aches, nausea or feeling unwell before school are worth approaching with curiosity rather than assuming a young person is simply trying to avoid school. If something doesn't feel quite right, reaching out early can make a significant difference.

We are here to help

Students do not need to wait until something becomes a crisis before accessing support.

At school, we encourage students to identify the adults they feel comfortable approaching and to seek assistance when they need it. Families are also encouraged to communicate with the school if there are circumstances affecting their young person's wellbeing, attendance or engagement with learning.

Our Wellbeing Team works collaboratively with students, families, school staff and external services where appropriate to help young people remain connected to their education and supported through the challenges that can arise during adolescence.

As we move through the second half of the year, our message to Year 7 and 8 students is simple: You don't have to have everything figured out. Keep showing up, keep communicating and ask for help when you need it.

And to our parents and carers: continue creating those small opportunities for connection. A conversation in the car, a walk together, sharing a meal or simply checking in before bed can matter more than you realise.

Connection, consistency and early support can make a powerful difference in helping our young people thrive.

Pathway Centre News