You've got a Freshman!

High school will feel different from middle school in almost every way — there’s more freedom but also more responsibility. Your teen will have to juggle new teachers, a larger campus, and manage a heavier workload. If your student needs practice asking for help, encourage them to reach out by starting small — like following up with their teacher after class or emailing with a question.  

Work with your child to find simple ways to stay on-track and organized, like using a planner or setting up reminders. The first few weeks are about helping them feel comfortable while figuring out what works best. 

School counselors are a key resource for students, providing more than just schedule advice. They can guide your teen on managing stress, exploring interests, and planning for the future. Encourage your child to introduce themselves early.  

Building this relationship now can set the tone for their whole high school career. Don’t let them skip this one!  

High school opens the door to more clubs, electives, and sports than ever before. Inspire your teen to step outside their comfort zone and try something new — from joining theater to exploring robotics or a student-activities group.  

This is the time to test the waters to find something that’s the right temperature. If your student is well situated, encourage them to deepen their interest in an activity they love. 

Adjusting to a larger school means meeting a lot of new people, which can feel overwhelming. Let your child know that it’s okay to take time to settle in socially. Suggest they attend events, join a club, or talk to classmates with similar interests.  

Friendships may shift as they grow, and that’s a natural part of the process. 

The first semester of freshman year is over — now’s the time to reflect on how it went. Help your teen think about their grades, how they managed their time, and if they enjoyed the activities they joined. Support them in identifying small changes they can make, like refining study habits or staying more consistent with their efforts.  

Help your student ease back into routines after winter break. Encourage them to focus on one or two clear priorities for the rest of the year. 

It’s never too early to start thinking about options like dual credit, advanced courses, or career-connected electives. Even if enrollment isn’t possible until later, encourage your child to explore what interests them and learn about programs they might pursue down the line. 

Use this season to help them connect their goals to the possibilities available at their school. 

Social dynamics often shift after the first semester. Your teen might feel more settled or still be figuring out where they belong. Be a listening ear and suggest ways to nurture friendships, like participating in group projects, joining casual hangouts, or revisiting an activity they enjoy.  

Building strong connections takes time, and every effort helps. 

Winter can be a slower time socially, making it a great opportunity to connect with local programs that align with your teen’s interests. Look into workshops, library events, or volunteering opportunities that expose them to new ideas or help them build valuable skills.  

These experiences can encourage curiosity and deepen their knowledge of their community while keeping them engaged. 

Spring is a great time to talk about your teen’s growth so far. What have they enjoyed? What challenges have they faced? Help them think about what they’ve learned about themselves this year.  

Reflecting on progress together can guide conversations about where they might want to focus their energy as they move toward their sophomore year. 

Sophomore year brings more opportunities for electives, advanced classes, and extracurricular commitments. Help your child think about the areas they want to explore further — while keeping an eye on their graduation requirements too. Whether they’re considering creative pursuits, STEM classes, or leadership roles, working together now can give them confidence in their decisions.  

A little preparation now can make a big difference later. 

Help your teen stay energized by setting a manageable spring challenge. Help them discover opportunities where they can master a new skill, tackle a project, or improve in one class. This short-term focus can keep them motivated and help them finish the year strong. 

With more group activities, projects, and events happening in the spring, encourage your child to make the most of these opportunities. Whether they’re collaborating with classmates or attending a fun event, these moments help them feel more connected to their school and peers. 

Take time this summer to celebrate your teen’s accomplishments and talk about the challenges they faced during freshman year. Use these conversations to guide academic, personal, or even social goal-setting for sophomore year.  

Help them reflect on their growth and build confidence for what’s ahead. 

Summer should be a mix of recharging and preparing for what’s next. Support your child in balancing downtime with meaningful activities, like picking up a hobby, volunteering, or spending time with friends. 

Remind them that both relaxation and engagement are valuable. 

Sophomore year will bring more responsibility. Use the summer to give your teen opportunities to practice skills like managing their time, planning for commitments, or making decisions. For example, consider suggesting a project they can take the lead on, but set them up for success by focusing on achievable goals. 

The more ownership they take, the more prepared they’ll feel as their responsibilities grow. 

It’s natural to start thinking about the future, but this is still a time for exploration. Keep discussions about the future and their goals light and open-ended, helping your child connect their interests to potential paths without feeling pressured.  

Time seems like it’s moving so fast, but there’s enough of it to stop and smell the roses. Make sure your student has the time to be able to appreciate this exciting time in their life!