The GO's Column

Mr Brett de Grussa

Helping Your Teen Succeed in High School

High school can be exciting but also challenging. Parents play a vital role in helping teenagers thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Here are some practical tips:

 

1. Build Healthy Routines

  • Encourage 8–10 hours of sleep each night.
  • Set regular homework and study times.
  • Balance schoolwork with sports, hobbies, and downtime.

2. Promote Independence

  • Help your teen learn to manage their time using a planner or app.
  • Encourage them to set personal goals and track their own progress.
  • Allow natural consequences to teach responsibility.

3. Support Academics

  • Offer guidance with homework without doing it for them.
  • Teach effective study strategies (summaries, practice quizzes).
  • Seek extra support from tutors or study groups if needed.

4. Communicate Openly

  • Talk regularly about school life—not just grades.
  • Ask open-ended questions and listen without judgment.
  • Show interest in their subjects, friends, and teachers.

5. Encourage Positive Connections

  • Support friendships and healthy peer influences.
  • Foster good relationships with teachers and school staff.
  • Motivate participation in clubs, teams, or leadership roles.

6. Prioritize Wellbeing

  • Look out for stress, anxiety, or bullying.
  • Teach coping tools like mindfulness and journaling.
  • Normalize seeking help from counselors or professionals.

7. Celebrate Progress

  • Recognize both academic and personal achievements.
  • Praise effort, resilience, and improvement—not just top grades.

Remember: Teens succeed best when they feel supported, understood, and empowered to take ownership of their learning.