As the school year approaches, parents of teenagers often find themselves navigating the delicate balance between encouraging independence and ensuring that their teens are adequately prepared for the academic challenges ahead.
As a father of three myself, I know firsthand how tricky this crucial time can be. But with the right guidance and support, we can empower our teens to take charge of their back-to-school preparations.
Help them order on time
Let’s start with the most crucial aspect of school readiness – making sure that your teen has everything they need by the time they step into the classroom. Schools and education suppliers typically provide deadlines for ordering textbooks and supplies. Adhering to these deadlines not only ensures that your child won’t be left without that crucial textbook or calculator on their first day, but also prevents the stress of last-minute shopping.
Giving your teen the responsibility of communicating order deadlines is a great way to foster a sense of independence and accountability. Reminding them of the importance of ordering on time will ultimately empower them to manage their academic needs independently.
Navigate digital platforms together
In the digital age, students often use various online platforms and passwords for their schooling. While your teen may excel at memorising their gaming passwords, after the summer break, they may need some help remembering their school logins.
Sitting down with your teen and helping them navigate online platforms by logging in or setting up a profile will ensure they’re ready for the new school year. It can also be a great idea to help them store their login details in a secure app that they can refer back to as needed throughout the year. With online textbooks and apps now essential for academic success, this is a great way to enhance your teen’s self-sufficiency and ensure a smooth start to the school year.
Set up an effective study space
We all know how important homework and studying are to academic success, especially for teens who are preparing for their HSC. A great way to encourage your child to commit to their studies is by helping them to create a dedicated study space for them at home.
As a general rule, a great study area should be well-lit, quiet, and free from distractions like TV or video games. In addition to pens, paper, and, if necessary, a computer or tablet, it’s a great idea to ask your teen if there’s anything else that helps them focus. For example, if they like to listen to music while studying, you could ensure they have access to headphones or a Bluetooth speaker as well.
Rather than fighting for space on the kitchen table, a study area will ensure your teen has everything they need to stay focused and motivated when completing homework or studying for an exam. Most importantly, by creating this space together, you can help them feel more empowered and supported in their academic journey.
Discuss academic goals and expectations
Being actively involved in your child’s academic achievements is crucial to ensuring they feel supported, encouraged, and motivated to do their best at school. This is especially true of teenagers, with more than 50% of senior high school students saying that strong parental involvement leads to high academic performance.
A great way to do this is by engaging in open conversations with your teen about their academic aspirations and expectations for the upcoming school year. This discussion can not only be used to set realistic academic goals but can also be a great opportunity to discuss areas they struggle with and strategies for achieving their objectives. This collaborative approach can instil a sense of purpose and responsibility in your teen, motivating them to excel in their studies knowing that you’re there to support them.
Prioritise sports and hobbies
While academic success is undoubtedly important, encouraging a healthy balance between academic commitments and personal interests is crucial to raising a well-rounded, healthy young adult. Whatever it is your teen enjoys doing outside of school, it’s important that they allocate time to these activities throughout the year.
If your teen is still searching for an activity they love, this is a great opportunity to help them find something that brings them joy and purpose outside of their studies. This balance between leisure and study will inevitably contribute to the overall well-being, resilience, and happiness of your child. For older teens approaching significant milestones like the HSC in particular, maintaining a healthy equilibrium between work and play is crucial for long-term success.
Guiding your teen through the back-to-school preparations involves a delicate blend of encouragement, collaboration, and instilling a sense of responsibility. By implementing these strategies, parents can empower their teens to navigate the academic landscape with confidence and self-sufficiency.
About James Cathro, Managing Director at Campion Education
James Cathro is an education resource expert with more than three decades of experience across the education, broadcast, and IT industries. Since 1998, he has been the Managing Director of Campion Education, Australia’s largest supplier of education materials.
With a passion for providing exceptional educational resources and innovative solutions for schools across the country, James has led Campion Education to be a leading industry name. Driven by the belief that every child deserves access to the resources needed for quality education, he has guided the company to evolve in line with the ever-changing educational landscape and maintained a company-wide commitment to shaping a brighter learning future for all.
James holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Adelaide as well as an MBA from the University of New South Wales. Prior to his role at Campion Education, James worked in the IT sector and served as Chief Financial Officer at Broadcom.