With the new school year approaching, now is a good time to prepare your middle or high schooler for a great year ahead. Making sure that adolescents get off to a good start in the fall includes helping them approach the new school year with healthy habits and a positive mindset in place.
Here are some simple ways to help your teen prepare for the coming school year:
- Re-establish healthy routines. Readjust sleep schedules in the weeks before school starts, so that teens are well-rested and able to be on time for class.
- Model healthy habits. As a family, eat well, drink enough water, practice relaxation techniques, and anticipate stressors. Ask teens where they anticipate stress in the coming year. Brainstorm ways to address those stressors before they becomes an issue.
- Set academic goals with your teen. Reiterate the importance of a growth mindset, helping your teen understand the significance of effort – and not just talent – to their overall learning and success. (Read Mindset by psychologist Carol Dweck for more information on this important concept). Remember to praise their efforts, not just accomplishments, to reinforce this idea.
- Plan for extracurricular activities. Have a discussion with your teen about what they want to do for fun and new experiences this year. Consider how those activities will fit with homework, a job, sports, or hobbies. Help your teen set priorities so that they can enjoy their activities and still have time to themselves.
- Help students get organized. Make sure that they know their schedules, have packed the necessary books and supplies, and are familiar with where they need to go on the first day (especially if your student is starting a new school).
If your teen is looking for service, career exploration or social opportunities, check out the KidsMatter website at https://kidsmatter2us.org.
