By Kelly Ryan

The first day of high school can represent the first leap into adulthood. It can be daunting, exciting, and stressful all at the same time. To help prepare for everything that is to come, we have compiled a list of tips & tricks to make the move a smooth one!

It’s a transition!

A lot will be different for your child so there is a lot for them to be nervous about. There will be more teacher, more subjects, and more responsibility!
Highschool is a learning curve but has the biggest opportunity for growth. They will learn to manage themselves and be challenged every day.
Validate their feelings, nerves are ok but be positive! Talk up all the new and exciting things they will be doing and learning so on that first day, they run in looking forward to it rather than walking in apprehensively.

Be Prepared

In the months leading up to the big day, make sure you block out the time to get together everything they will need – there will be a lot more supplies than they have ever needed before! Go shopping together so they can start to take ownership of their stuff. In high school, they won’t have one classroom, they will have many and a locker! Your child is going to be responsible for navigating their way to classes on their own and making sure they bring everything the need to learn that day!

Don’t forget to grab the necessities:

• Text books
• Notebooks
• Stationary
• Diary
• Uniform
• Public transport tickets
• Backpack
• Water bottle & Lunch box

Tip: Label everything and protect the textbooks.

Practice the Morning Routine

Practice makes perfect!
The number 1 thing to do before the first day is to work out how you are getting there. Follow the route and make sure your child knows where they are going. A lot of kids head to high school on public transport by themselves for the first time. A trial run will help them get familiar with the route and the timing. If you plan on driving them to school, make sure to take a trip at the time you would normally leave to gauge traffic and put it in perspective for your child so they know what time they have to be out the door!

Learn the Timetable

The first day is daunting but if you have an idea of what is to come then it will make it a little easier! Make sure your child familiarizes themselves with the timetable. Learning their new school routine will prepare them for what they are taking on each day. A diary is essential! Get them used to writing out what they need each day and have them keep track of their homework. Organisation is key to success at high school.

 

Create a study space

Highschool means more work and that means homework too! Having their own space at home where they can get in the zone will help your child succeed. Other family members buzzing around them playing or getting dinner ready can interfere with their focus. It doesn’t need to be their own study room but carving out an area that is just for them and keeping others away will make a difference!

 

Debrief

When they get home from their first day, make sure to ask them about what they learnt and who they met. Be interested and get them talking! If they weren’t so sure about it all, talking can help them process and ease their mind about going back tomorrow!

 

Finally, take a breath and relax! Be confident that they will find their footing. Secondary school is a sign of growing up and knowing you believe in them, will give your child the courage to take the first leap into this next phase of their life.

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