Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
24/7 CRISIS HOTLINE: 800-448-3000
Site Navigation Search bar

Teachable Moments

Getting Your Teen’s Second Semester off to a Great Start

January 8th, 2015     By Tanya Martin, Director Special Education and Transition Services at Boys Town

Back-to-School, curfew, Discipline, Homework

This post first appeared on Momaha.com.

After a long Christmas break, high schoolers are heading back to the classroom. Second semester is an opportunity to make resolutions and start fresh. There are many ways you can help your child to do well and make adjustments that come with starting a new semester.

HELP YOUR TEEN MAKE HOMEWORK A PRIORITY

  • Teens might be involved in daily sports practices, music or theater rehearsals, and any number of other extracurricular activities, and social requirements. It’s sometimes easy for homework to get lost in the shuffle, which is why routines are so important. They need to know, for instance, that when they get home from school or practice, they can have a snack and take a short break, and that their next priorities are homework, chores, and other responsibilities.
  • Set mutual expectations by talking with your senior about curfew, jobs, academics, graduation celebrations and activities. Allow extra freedom whenever possible to help with the transition into independence.
  • It’s also important for you and your teen to assess his or her schedule as a whole. It’s very easy for teens to say “Yes” to a lot of activities and then suddenly find that they’re overextended. If they’re doing their homework in the car on the way to school, they’ve got too much on their plate and something’s got to give.
  • Consistently and frequently encourage and guide your teen with their school work
  • Show your child you value education by setting aside time to talk about homework and what’s happening in the classroom.
  • Praise and reward your child for school successes (good grades on tests and homework assignments, good behavior in class).
  • Don’t protect your child from negative consequences that result from failing to complete homework or not studying for tests. Making mistakes is a major way children learn how to cope successfully with the demands of school and life. Provide assistance and support when things aren’t going well for your child.

DISPLAY A LOVE OF LEARNING AT HOME

  • To fuel  your child’s natural interest and curiosity, celebrate learning. Ask questions, exchange ideas and allow your teen to arrive at their own conclusions.
  • Create  a home environment that is rich in books, educational games, movies and projects that challenge your kids. Above all, let your child see how much you enjoy learning challenges and activities.

Related Posts

 

 

Boys Town’s Dr. Connie Schnoes Selected for Roundtable Discussion With Dr. Miguel Cardona, Secretary of U.S. Department of Ehttps://www.boystown.org/blog/Pages/Dr-Connie-Schnoes-Selected-for-Roundtable-Discussion.aspxBoys Town’s Dr. Connie Schnoes Selected for Roundtable Discussion With Dr. Miguel Cardona, Secretary of U.S. Department of EDr. Connie Schnoes, Director of National Behavioral Health at Boys Town, was one of 10 professionals selected to participate in a roundtable discussion with Dr. Miguel Cardona, Secretary of the United States Department of Education, February 8March 10, 2023Boys TownDr. Connie Schnoes, Director of National Behavioral Health at Boys Town, was one of 10 professionals selected to participate in a roundtable discussion with Dr. Miguel Cardona, Secretary of the United States Department of Education, February 8Boys Town Contributor
Back-to-School: Accept, Adapt and Growhttps://www.boystown.org/blog/Pages/Back-to-School-Accept-Adapt-and-Grow.aspxBack-to-School: Accept, Adapt and Grow​It's back-to-school time at Boys Town and across America. Every year, the beginning of the school year reminds me of the importance of learning to accept, adapt and grow – not only in school, but in life.August 17, 2022Boys Town​It's back-to-school time at Boys Town and across America. Every year, the beginning of the school year reminds me of the importance of learning to accept, adapt and grow – not only in school, but in life.Father Steven Boes, President and National Executive Director, Boys Town
Avoid ‘Summer Slide’ and Make Learning Funhttps://www.boystown.org/blog/Pages/avoid-summer-slide-make-learning-fun.aspxAvoid ‘Summer Slide’ and Make Learning FunNow that the school year has ended, what are your kids up to? If they’re like most, they’re sleeping late and spending extra time watching television and playing video games. Maybe they’re spending some time with their friends. Chances are, they’r...July 5th, 2022Parenting AdviceNow that the school year has ended, what are your kids up to? If they’re like most, they’re sleeping late and spending extra time watching television and playing video games. Maybe they’re spending some time with their friends. Chances are, they’r...Samantha Whaley, MPA, Boys Town Expert