“There’s just so many changes when they start high school. I keep my Top Ten Tips on the kitchen table and every now and again, it helps just to look and realise that what’s happening is quite normal.”
Parent, Penicuik
Top ten tips for parents and families
This is an unsettling time for children. From being the big ones
at primary school, they're going to be the youngest in a
much bigger school. They're looking for more independence but at
the same time feeling unsure of themselves.
Read our tips below for some advice on helping them make
the move to high school or get a copy sent to you
free.
1) Visiting the new school
Always visit the new school that you have chosen before your
child starts. Most high schools have special evenings where new
parents and children can visit, look around and talk to teachers.
Even though your child will not remember where everything is at
least the journey and buildings will be more familiar on their
first day.
2) Their first day
Appreciate that your child will be going from being the eldest
to being the youngest in the school, this can be daunting for
children. Children will want to be more independent and will want
to get to school by themselves. Try to arrange for your child to
travel to school with a friend or older sibling to start with -
they will soon make their own way.
3) Talking and listening
Talk to your child about their new school, the teachers,
friendships and the work. They may have worries so try to encourage
them to talk to you about how they are feeling. You could tell them
about your first day at high school.
4) Praise and encouragement
When your child moves to high school you may feel that your role
is diminishing. Parents remain just as important to their children
especially during the tricky move to high school. Praise and
encourage them at every opportunity, this will build their self
esteem and enable them to feel more confident and secure in their
new surroundings.
5) Show interest
Let your child know that you are genuinely interested in what
he/she does at school and at home. Offer support and guidance with
school work but be careful not to pressurise them.
6) Physical changes
Your child's body is changing. Some children change physically
faster than others - this can be difficult for some children. Talk
to your child about how their bodies are changing and will change
in the future. Reassure them that it is normal and is all part of
growing up.
7) Give them space
We all need time for ourselves. Children should have their own
space, time for themselves and the right not to tell their parents
everything about their lives. Young teenagers can often change from
being a talkative child to a moody adolescent.
8) School activities
Find out about after school activities and encourage your child
to become involved. Most schools have a great range of different
after school activities. You can usually find out about what's
going on through your child's school website. This is a good way
for your child to discover new interests and make new friends.
9) School contact
Regularly attend school parents' evenings and school meetings.
This shows your child and the school that you are interested in how
things are going. Do not hesitate to contact the teacher if you
have any concerns about your child.
10) Look after yourself
Parents today have a difficult job to do but parents don't need
to be perfect. Make sure you look after yourself and have people to
talk to when you need to. Try to spend some time thinking about
your own life and priorities