Back to school – adapting to high school

Peer pressure and stress are challenging enough for teenagers, let alone going from primary school to high school.

There are generally more teachers at high schools, bigger buildings and grounds, more learners and more pressure.

While going through the change of a new school, peers usually also experience changes in their bodies as they develop into becoming young adults and not children anymore.

Help your child to embrace the change and new challenge in their lives.

As the parent, be the parent and set the example, stay positive and let your child know you are in it together.

Encourage your child to embrace the initiation at high school and to get involved in activities so that they can make new friends and feel part of the group.

Help them to build a good self esteem and know who they are so that they are not influenced negatively by others.

Make sure your child gets enough sleep, high school is tough and has more activities as well as responsibilities than primary school.

Send them to school prepared with all the correct clothes, stationary etc.

Be punctual so that you do not need to rush, this will only add to their stress levels on their first day in high school.

Have an open relationship with your child so that they will always have the courage to talk to you about anything.