HELP YOUR TEENMAKE A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION TO SECONDARY SCHOOL

For parents of students in middle school

Starting high school is an important milestone in your teen’s life. There are things that both you and your teen can do to make this big step as smooth as possible.

Be understanding and supportive

The move from middle to secondary school can be a difficult transition for students and parents. Be especially understanding and supportive of your teen during the first several weeks or months of school as he adjusts to the new environment.

Resist the urge to rescue your teen

It is important for your teen to learn how to solve her own problems. Encourage her to use school resources, like a guidance department, teachers, or the school handbook or student agenda, so she learn how to resolve a situation. It’s okay if your teen to makes mistakes.

Get involved

Familiarize yourself with your teen's school schedule. Know any important dates – like midterms or exams. Understand that your teen may be experiencing stress during these times. Stay in touch with her teachers.

Encourage your teen

Secondary school offers students the opportunity to find friends with similar interests to theirs. Encourage your teen to get involved with school activities. This is a great way to meet new people.

Respect your teen

Secondary school is a young adult's opportunity to grow and establish an identity through the exploration of ideas, values and interests. Respect your teen's ideas and opinions. Communicate with him like an adult when you have family discussions. Keep an open mind and share stories of your high school experience with him.

In the high school years

  • Help your teen see herself as a worthy individual, capable of making increasingly independent decisions.
  • Young people may need help seeing the links between present choices and future outcomes. You can assist your teen in developing guidelines for choosing among school courses, higher education options and employment opportunities. Visit for career planning advice.
  • Encourage your teen to consult teachers and counsellors for additional help in identifying interests and abilities.
  • If your teen does not have a part-time job, explore ways to establish a routine for daily or weekly participation in the community.
  • If possible, arrange for your teen to visit vocational schools, technical schools, colleges and universities. All kinds of post-secondary educational opportunities should be explored.
  • Besides helping arrange career "shadowing" and other exploration experiences for your teen, offer to sponsor such activities at your own workplace.
  • Encourage your teen to obtain and maintain job commitments, paid or unpaid. Remember, Ontario secondary school students must complete 40 hours of community involvement in order to graduate.
  • Give your teen certain economic obligations, such as saving for education, special trips or items they would like to buy. Help them develop financial plans.

Stay connected

  • Sign up to receive important updates on your child’s school website.
  • Bookmark Find up-to-date information about what’s happening in Peel schools.
  • Consider volunteering at your teen’s school. Contact the office for details.