Preparing your teen to return to high school

It’s that time of the year again, time to put our babies back into school. Here are several ways to prepare your teen to return to high school. Even though this is centered around teens the rules can apply to any school age child. 

Prepare mentally/ Schedule appointment with therapist

Now is harder than ever for our children. We have had to make so many adjustments in the past year and a half with this whole pandemic, so they have been through a lot. I love the idea of a therapist for our children and even for ourselves. Make an appointment with a therapist, if you don’t already have one, so that they can talk to someone with an unbiased opinion about their concerns. Mental health is something that a lot of people are struggling with these days and it is important to talk to a professional.

Validate their feelings

You want your teen to know that whatever they are feeling is okay. You want them to have a safe space. It is a great time to have an open conversation and explore any concerns that they may have about returning to school, or anything else, and figure out ways to work through those concerns

Set boundaries

We all have and need boundaries. That is no different for your teenager. Boundaries are limits. The purpose of setting boundaries is to let them know that they are cared for and it creates clear expectations between the two of you.  Boundaries for teens help them to be confident to make informed decisions. It allows for them to be themselves (a teenager) but know their limits. While it is important for us to establish boundaries with our teens it is equally as important that we teach them how to set boundaries for themselves and others.

Reestablish routines but allow for flexibility

Things got a little loose in the past year and a half and I’m sure it’s not just my family. I have no problem admitting to the fact that we struggled with any sort of routine. Now is the appropriate time to get back to some rules and structure. It’s time to begin to start healthy habits and routines. Try to stick to a regular bedtime and wake up time. Talk to your teen to come up with a plan that works for your family. This may take a few weeks as we adjust to returning back to the classroom from staying home. Having a routing is a valuable asset. Routines assist in eliminating stress and can give you a sense of control. It can also improve your focus, organization, and productivity. Routines help you to stay on track with a purpose. Do not stick to a routine that is not working, adjust when needed.

Review the schedule

As stated above, my daughter has a part time job. Originally it was kind of all over the place and random but with her returning back to the classroom we thought it was best for her to have a set schedule. She will be working only two days each week and we think that will be best for her to be able to complete her studies and be a teen. Having a set work schedule allows for her to do other things such as after school activates, tutoring or just hanging with friends.

Safety first

We have to talk to our children about the safety concerns involved with this whole pandemic. Teenagers want to hang out with their friend and make out, they like to drink after one another and all the things. It is extremely important that we let them know that as excited as they are to return to school to see classmates that they haven’t seen in a while, we must continue to wear our masks and keep the appropriate social distance. Go over the school rules with your teen so that you are both aware of what they are. 

Last and most fun… SHOP!!!

This has to be the most fun of everything. Who doesn’t love a good ole shopping trip?! This is the perfect time to try out a new look to give your teen confidence to return to school.

Thing you need daily

To be prepared for (almost) anything don’t forget your hand sanitizer, a mask (possibly, a backup), snacks and a water bottle (you never know), I always think that it is a great idea to have Kleenex on hand as well.

This is a short yet beneficial list of things to do to prepare for the upcoming school year. I pray that you and your family have a successful school year.