How To Succeed In High School

Now that your freshman is almost at the end of his/her first semester, it is time to discuss those things that are going right and what areas might need some help. I do not say this in regard to academics alone although that obviously is the place to start the discussion. When the semester report card arrives, I believe you should explore the following areas with your child.

1. Academics: If the grades on the report card are inconsistent either with each other or with the performance you have seen from your child in middle school, find out why. If you hear statements such as, "The teacher doesn't like me" or "I can't get extra help from my teacher" be sure to do two things. First, explain to your child that the grade is not the teacher's but it belongs to him/her. Second, contact the teacher, preferably without your child's knowledge, and find out what the teacher's perception of the problem might be. Do your child a service and DO NOT INDICATE a lack of support for the teacher. Remember that education is a tripod: parents-student-teacher, each leg of the tripod must support the entire system. If the authority figures are in conflict, the child ultimately suffers.

If your child is having transitional academic difficulty, check his/her study habits. Is the student spending at least 1 to 1.5 hours a night on homework and study? Does your student know how to manage time? Does your student know how to study for different subjects? These are skills which can be coached. If you can't help your child perfect them, reach out to your school or to an outside tutor for help early in your child's high school career.

2. Extracurriculars: Ask your student what activities he/she has chosen to become involved with in school. Make sure that your child is neither overextended nor under involved. The parameters for judging this will depend on your child not on your energy level. Don't make the mistake of thinking that your child does not need to rest or to spend time with friends. Over involvement is as much of a problem as under involvement and, in some cases, more of an issue since children do burn out.

3. Athletics: It is very flattering for parents and for their student to be at the top of the athletic heap in a community many of which are driven by athletics. Name, if you can, how many local kids are now playing in the NFL, NHL, or NBA. Don't discourage your student from participation or from working hard to excel but do keep it all in perspective. Academic achievement must come first since this is the area which will help your child have a successful life. Have your student think about the number of hours of practice necessary to achieve athletic success. Compare the time spent on the field to the time spent studying. Remind your child, and yourself, what the term student-athlete means.

4. Other activities: Allow your child to have time for social involvement and outside of school activities. A paying job should take up no more than 10 - 15 hours of the week. Ensure that your child is not spending too much time in front of the TV or the computer. Encourage your child to read material in addition to that which is assigned in school. This is the surefire means to a better SAT verbal score. If you need help keeping your child on track, call on a professional Educational Planner for assistance.

Note: Charlotte Klaar is a Certified Educational Planner and Director of College Consulting Services (www.ccs4college.com) in Westborough, MA and Brunswick, MD.