8 Tips for Parents of High School Students

Parenting high school students is challenging for myriad reasons. High schoolers are on the cusp of adulthood. Teens are at an age where they desperately want independence and freedom but still need guidance and support from the adults in their lives. 

We put together eight tips for parents of high school students to help their children thrive in high school and become well-adjusted young adults. 

8 Tips for Parents of High School Students

• Get involved in your child’s education – Getting involved in your teenager’s education can help you know what kind of support they need. Some children are incredibly independent in their education, while others need more help. Familiarize yourself with the courses they are taking, keep an eye on their grades, and offer to help with homework or studying. Encourage them to go to school daily and put an emphasis on attendance. 
  
  
• Set age-appropriate expectations – High school students are still developing, so you can’t expect them to act like fully grown adults. At the same time, you don’t want to treat them like young children. Setting age-appropriate expectations for your child is a great way to help them become more independent and confident in themselves so they can become successful adults. For example, you may not need to check your high schooler’s homework as closely as you did when they were younger, but it's important to realize that they still need adult accountability because they don't yet have adult maturity themselves.
  
  
• Meet your child’s teachers and attend parent-teacher conferences – There is usually a meet-the-teacher event at the beginning of each school year and parent-teacher conferences throughout the year. Make sure you meet the teachers and how to contact them. Teachers know your kid’s strengths and weaknesses and are your number one ally. Don’t be afraid to reach out if you are worried about your teen’s grades or need additional support. 
  
  
• Learn about your child’s school and schedule – Schools are their own little ecosystem. Each one has its own culture and way of doing things. Get to know the school by visiting the school website and attending open houses and family events. Keep the school calendar bookmarked on your phone or on the fridge so you know when there are breaks, athletic events, and activities like spirit week, homecoming, or prom. 
  
  
• Model and encourage stress management – Stress is not uncommon in high school, and when it goes unmanaged, it can lead to issues like anxiety and depression. One of the best ways to help your student manage stress is by modeling stress management in your own life – kids are incredibly observant and often repeat behaviors they see modeled by adults they trust. You can also talk to them about stress management and use resources on stress management for high school students. 
  
  
• Help keep your child motivated – Especially as high schoolers near graduation, motivation drops. Consequently, these later years of high school are the most important for post-graduation planning. As a parent, you can help your teenager stay motivated by encouraging them, helping them prioritize self care, and more. Check out our other blog post for more tips for staying motivated in high school.
  
  
• Encourage your teen to broaden their horizons – It’s incredibly easy for high schoolers to place their identity in one place – their grades, their athletic ability, their artistic talent, etc. Encourage your child to try new things, even if they aren’t good at them the first time. This will encourage them to expand their identities and allow them to experience both failures and successes in a low-stakes environment.
  
  
• Help your teen explore their post-graduation options – High school is the final stepping stone before adulthood, and it’s wise to start talking with your student about their post-graduation plans early. Do they want to go to college, trade school, the workforce, or the military after graduation? Talking about options early ensures they’ll have time to learn about the opportunities available to them and explore their interests so they can make an informed decision about their future. 

The American Academy

The American Academy is a private online high school that provides a rigorous curriculum, classes that can be completed anytime and anywhere, experienced teachers, and a support system that includes access to 24/7 tutors. Parents have access to a parent portal where they can check on the student’s grades and progress.

We provide both a diploma program and individual courses. The diploma program is for students who want to earn their high school diploma online, while individual courses are for students who want to supplement their education with additional courses. Individual courses are recommended for students who need to make up credits, want to get ahead, or are looking for additional elective options.