by D Thompson

Created on: September 12, 2010

Students entering high school for the first time can be bombarded with a multitude of emotions. They can experience feelings of excitement, nervousness, and anxiety. They look forward to seeing their old friends but at the same time may feel a little anxious about their classes and what lies ahead in the future. After all they are at the beginning stage of preparing for life after high school.Parents can help ease the transition into high school by being involved in their child's high school experience.

Enroll in academic courses. Will your child enroll in general academics or college prep courses.? Find out from the high school counselor or academic coach what courses are required to be promoted to the next grade.. High schools generally give units for courses and students must have so many units in Literature, Composition, Math, Science, and Social Studies in order to graduate.

Enroll in electives classes such as music, art, agriculture, computers, or technology. These courses will help your young adult prepare for future classes and help in making career choices. Most university and colleges encourage students to sign up for electives classes in high school.

Sign up for extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs. Encourage your child to participate in at least one activity. Be careful not to get overwhelmed with participating in everything. This could lead to more stress in the high school student's life. Your child may also lose interest in the activities or you may resent having to attend all functions and activities yourself.

Get your child involved in a student support group. Schools usually have support group or orientation for entering freshmen or new students in which the students can get to know a few upperclassmen, administration/staff, take a tour of the campus, and ask questions regarding classes, teachers, or other high school activities that the student may be interested in.

Get involved in a school support group such at PTA or other parent organization. This is an excellent way to be informed of events happening within with school .

Plan for the future. Write down goals for the future such as career, college, living arrangements after graduation. Sit down with him and decide what is more appropriate for his career choice: a university, local college, technical college, or an apprenticeship. Start inquiring about universities and colleges.

High school is a critical period of your child's life. He needs all the support he can get to help him prepare for the transition to his future after high school.

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