Welcome to a new school year! Whether your child is starting high school, transitioning to a new year level, or adjusting to different teachers, routines, and expectations, this time of year can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty.
As we know, change is a natural part of life, and adolescence is full of transitions—academically, socially, and emotionally. While some students thrive on new experiences, others may find change challenging. As parents and caregivers, your support plays a crucial role in helping your teen build resilience and confidence as they navigate these transitions.
Here are some tips on how to support your child through this transition phase:
- Help them with creating a daily routine, both before and after school. A set routine can help with managing anxiety as it allows students to feel a sense of control. It also creates a sense of safety and predictability.
- Encourage connection – it is quite common to disconnect socially when we are feeling stressed or anxious. When we are going through change – it is important that we maintain positive connections. For some of our older students – as a parent/carer you may not be as involved in supporting your child’s connections any more given their age – the days of setting up playdates are long gone – but this doesn’t stop you from encouraging your child to keep up those social connections.
- Study routine/planner – irrespective of your child’s learning strengths – we always encourage students to have a study routine or plan. This is really important during transition and change as it is something that students can rely on and control. We have discovered that those students who have a set routine are far more likely to manage stress and anxiety that comes with academic expectations than those that don’t.
- School/Life balance – its not all study and no play. It is important to encourage your child to have a healthy life balance. You cannot underestimate the positive impact of extra curricular activities and part time employment.
- Promote a growth mindset – high school is full of challenges and you should remind your child that setbacks are part of personal growth.
- Encourage support- we know that young people are more likely to access support from their peers than they are a trusted adult. And although we don’t want to diminish this in any way – it’s important to remind young people of the support that is available to them both at home, at school and in the community.
Good luck with the start of the new school year. Please know you are not alone and we are here to support in any way we can. If you would like any further advice please get in contact via gpd@mwsc.vic.edu.au
Mr Paul Graham
Student Support and Resources Manager