Starting High School
Starting high school is an exciting milestone for many teens. Some have eagerly anticipated this step, feeling ready to move on from primary school. With new opportunities, different teachers, friendships and the promise of fresh experiences, high school represents the road to independence and the journey toward adulthood.
For some teens, starting high school can feel overwhelming and spark a variety of concerns. The pressure to form new friendships, keeping up with homework, and adjusting to new teachers and routines may feel overwhelming and fitting in with different social groups can be intense. On top of this, many teens are also managing the physical and emotional changes that come with puberty, which can make these transitions feel even more challenging. Worries about body image, self-esteem, and fitting societal expectations often add to the stress.
These combined pressures are part of the normal adjustments teens face during this life stage, but with the right support, they can learn to navigate these changes confidently and successfully.
Parental support can significantly impact how teens adjust to new challenges and build resilience through this growth period.
How Parents Can Help Teens Navigate School Challenges and Puberty:
1. Open Communication:
Create a safe space where your teen feels comfortable sharing their thoughts, worries, and experiences. Even if you don’t always agree with your teen’s perspective, their feelings are real and valid. It’s essential to acknowledge their emotions and let them know you’re there to listen and support them.
2. Normalise Puberty and Emotional Changes:
Starting conversations about body changes with your teen can feel challenging, especially when they’re reluctant to open up. Reassure your teen that physical, emotional, and social changes are a normal part of growing up.
3. Encourage Balance:
Help them manage their time by setting realistic expectations for schoolwork, sport, and downtime. Reinforce the importance of sleep, healthy eating, and relaxation.
4. Support Social Skills:
Encourage healthy friendships and talk about strategies for handling peer pressure or exclusion. Let them know it's okay to walk away from negative social situations.
5. Reframe Academic Pressure:
Remind your teen that school is about learning, not perfection. Celebrate effort, not just results, and help them set achievable goals.
6. Be Available:
Even if they don't want to talk immediately, knowing you're consistently available when they need you provides reassurance and stability.
7. Model Healthy Coping Strategies:
Show how you manage stress, practice self-care, and maintain a positive outlook. Your example can guide them in developing their own healthy coping mechanisms.
This transition isn’t easy for parents either. Prioritising self-care and taking time to recharge and filling your own cup is essential to navigating the challenges of the teen years with patience and balance.
For teens, it might seem weird to speak to a stranger, and maybe they feel they can handle it all on their own—but sometimes talking to someone outside their circle, who listens and gets where they are coming from, can make things feel a little easier.
Cheryl’s approach blends formal counselling qualifications, youth mentor volunteer work and personal life experience helping her develop effective ways to communicate and build trust. This combination enhances Cheryl’s ability to relate to youths and young adults, address their concerns, and provide meaningful support tailored to their needs.
A GP Referral is not required. To book a confidential support session - text or call 0452 142 022 or book via www.chatitout.com.au/contact
If you are unsure how to start the Counselling conversation with your Teen - you might like to get a few tips from our Fact Sheet - Starting the Counselling Conversation - Tips for Parents.
