VANCOUVER -- Some parents remember their first day of high school -- and most will say it was a terrifying experience. Add those extra pressures for kids nowadays and both teens and parents worry about what to expect. In tonight's "Parenting 101" -- some tips for the transition to high school.
Jonathan Vedova will be heading to high school this fall and it's going to be a challenge. It's not about fitting in, but more about handling the workload.
Phil Vedova, Dad, says, "he doesn't seem to have a proble with belonging. It's just a question of getting focussed when he needs too."
Phil Vedova says he tries to help his pre-teen son find a balance and has even turned up the notch on handling responsibilities.
'We have to talk about that with the latest report card because there's been a little bit of a dip."
But in high school -- it's not just about getting the grades, of course. Experts say the transition can be frightening.
Tulia Castellanos says, "it's okay for a child to not feel their normal confidence they could have felt before in that pre-teen stage."
Tulia Castellanos is a program manager at Family Services of Greater Vancouver. She says hormones also make kids very emotional through this time of transition.
"All the changes in this child's body makes a child kind of have a shaky self image."
First of all -- experts say lay it out for kids about what to expect. Treat it like they'll be going to a foreign country. As far as school work goes -- help them plan for an increased workload. And, be proactive not reactive -- when it comes to things like smoking, drinking and drugs.
Castellanos, "plan ahead. What potential things my child will be exposed to and I want to expose my child to those things. First, I am going to do it."
You can also do that by setting an example. Most importantly -- talk with them. Be there to listen about their personal issues.
Castellanos says, "if it is a big deal for your child, it is a big deal. It doesn't matter what it is."
And -- make sure they enjoy this important time in their lives.
Phil Vedova, "get as much out of it as possible. There's so much there. You don't appreciate it when you're a kid. We want to drive that home with our kids."
For more information parenting courses like the transition to high school -- visit the Family Services of Greater Vancouver website at www.fsgv.ca.
Friday May 26, 2006
