To High School Senior Parents – A Few Reminders

Exciting times are ahead! Plans for life after high school should be coming together. A series of “lasts” are occurring at every turn, like the last first day of high school, with more to come. Seniors who plan to pursue further education face an extra workload that can overwhelm them. As stress builds, how will you manage or provide assistance? Here are some reminders for you:

Being the Parent: Responsibility

In the senior year, there often arises a confusing mix of push and pull between the child and parent regarding responsibilities. It’s time to sit down and formulate a plan that outlines who is accountable for each task. Establishing an effective communication method is equally important. It’s incredibly frustrating to inquire about progress only to receive a nonchalant ‘fine’ in response. While no one can predict exactly how this will unfold, it’s crucial to remember that being overly involved or insufficiently engaged will not be beneficial.

Making “Good Choices”

As parents, we often grant our soon-to-be adult’s additional freedoms. It’s natural to want to ensure that before they head out, they will make the right choices. Social media, however, can potentially undermine the hard work they’ve put in over the last four years. It’s crucial to guide them so one misstep doesn’t negatively impact their plans.

Asking questions, use reflective listening and be their biggest cheerleader

In the planning phase of responsibility, facilitate research and exploration to broaden your children’s horizons, assisted with college tours, and provided refreshments while they were writing college essays. Moreover, ensure that your senior took the initiative in our discussions. Ask numerous “what do you think?” questions, suggest they reflect on decisions overnight, and encouraged them to be both realistic and ambitious in their goals.

Students should ultimately decide which colleges to apply to and where they choose to enroll. However, it’s important to ask insightful questions, remind them of their parents’ fundamental expectations regarding character and finances, offer encouragement, and try to remain silent even when you disagree. Listening and understanding your senior’s perspective is crucial; they might surprise you.

Handling Disappointment

Senior year is filled with valuable life lessons. Ideally, your senior will be recognized for their hard work. However, disappointment may arise occasionally. Being there for them and encouraging open discussions can make a significant difference. It all comes down to asking thoughtful questions, practicing reflective listening, and showing empathy. Since life is challenging and disappointments are inevitable, assisting your senior in developing the necessary coping skills is crucial for navigating tough times.

1 Comment

  1. […] about her future career aspirations. She’s currently a sophomore in high school. Having worked with students, I’ve always encouraged them to consider their post-high school plans. Now, as your child […]

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