Transitions For Teenagers

There are many transitions going on in teenagers lives. Transitions into Middle and High School are two of the most important and probably the ones parents need help with the most. I will go through both of these transitions in the child's perspective and also provide tips for parents to help their teenagers move through these transitions.

Middle School: One of the first transitions your teenager will go through is entering into Middle or Jr. High School. This can be very scary for teenagers. In many ways middle school is more demanding and expects more from students. The friends they made in elementary school may not be going to the same middle school, which makes it even harder for them to adjust to this transition. Teenagers want to fit in, but sometimes it is hard to make that first step.

Tips for Parents: Some things parents can do to make it a little easier is to talk to them about the process of entering into middle school. Let them know what is going to change and what is expected of them. Try not to make it look like it is a huge change in their lives because this could cause them to have a harder time adjusting. If you let them smoothly go through this transition they will be better off. Stay involved and ask them how their day was and what they learned. Take advantage of the visits that are offered before the school years starts. Let them get familiar with the school so they feel less nervous the first day of school.

High School: Transitioning to High School can be a little easier because they have experienced it before. Although they have experienced transition from one school to the next, High School can be frightening in many ways. Again, the friends they may have made in Jr. High may not be going to the same high school and they have to make new friends. Some can take this very hard because they do not feel comfortable with out someone they confided in so much in Jr. High.

Tips for Parents: It is important to let your teenager explore and hang out with friends. Keeping a close watch is good so you make sure they are not getting into trouble. Be careful not to be helicopter parents (parents who are over protective and do not allow their child to be independent). Believe it or not teenagers need you to care for them. When you don't ask questions they become too resilient and out of control, but when you care and ask questions they actually like knowing you care for them.

Good to know: Teenagers are going through a lot during these transitions and it can be hard to sort out everything that is going on inside of their heads. Just be a parent and listen to what they have to say and provide feedback to make them feel more comfortable. Its good to know my parent is being a parent!
 

Reference: Feinstein, S. (2009). Inside the Teenage Brain: Parenting a Work in Progress. Lanham, Maryland, United States: Rowman & Littlefield Education.

~Kim