There’s so much growing up that happens from the time your child starts high school until they graduate. Before they get started, there are so many things they need to know. Here are a few:
- How to get home. You think your child knows how to get home because they are in the car with you, and you go the route every day, but does she really know? Now that your child is in high school, chances are there will be plenty of occasions where someone else is dropping her off at home. Can your child make it back to the house without you? Thankfully Google and Apple Maps and other navigation programs exist, but I believe this is something your child should know without the assistance of electronic devices. Maybe it’s the writer in me, but I dream up scenarios where kids can’t get reception and they are stuck. What are they supposed to do then? Make sure they can get back to you.
- How to responsibly use social media. The news is filled with stories of cyberbullying and video recordings of kids fighting and “private” pictures winding up online. Even if your child is not cyberbullying or posting inappropriate pictures, are the things they are saying appropriate? We’re living in a time where when kids apply to college or for a job, one of the first things a prospective school or employer does is Google your child’s name or finds their social media accounts. Racist posts, profanity and countless other things have cost countless people their jobs, scholarships, not to mention embarrassment to others, you and themselves. Teach your child how to responsibly use social media. FYI: Using an alias or deleting a post does not ensure that the information won’t be found later.
- Money management. Between birthdays, allowances and part-time jobs, kids can rack up on money these days. Take the time to make sure they know how to budget, tithe, save and spend responsibly. Many kids (and adults) don’t know that every dime they get should not be spent. If this is an area where you struggle. Now is a good time for you to get educated together. While you’re having the conversations, teach them the difference between credit and debit cards and the dangers of things like title and payday loans too. They will thank you later.
- How to study. Maybe your child breezed through elementary and middle school without having to put a lot of effort into school. As they prepare for high school, things go to another level. Teach them good study habits, like not doing homework or studying with the television or distracting music on, how to Google information and what places online are considered reliable sources, as well as artificial intelligence and ChatGPT. If you need help with good study skills, check YouTube or find a friend or family member to help with this.
- What sex really means. I saved the best for last because I know sex isn’t a fun topic to discuss with your child. I’ll be the first to admit that, but wouldn’t you prefer your baby hear the truth from you rather than her little friends who know just as much as—or less than—she does? I’ve been talking to my daughter about sex since she was seven. Is that young? To some it may be, but when I started reading stories about how kids in second and third grade were having oral sex, I knew I had to be proactive. I am a proponent of abstinence, but I’m not stupid. I know kids have sex. I know kids and their friends talk about sex. We did it as kids, and as much as you may not want to admit it, your child will have the conversations too. Arm her with the truth sooner rather than later. Sexually transmitted diseases are real. Your child needs to know about sex, how to protect herself and what to do if she’s in a situation where she feels like she’s being pressured. If you feel like you are really not up to the task, I implore you to find someone to talk to your child. Her life could depend on it.
What are some things you think children should know before starting high school?
