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How to manage high school academic expectations despite the stressors of burnout and school violence.
By: Gregory Germain, MD

The pressure for teens nowadays is unprecedented. With so many high-achieving kids, it’s no wonder that teens—and their parents—feel as if a child has to have a multi-page resume, be a world-class athlete or manage her own business by the time she is 18. But that just isn’t possible for everyone. There are lots of kids out there who are just that—kids—and there is a place for everyone. And a college for everyone.
Staying Focused On Schoolwork

There is no denying that these teen years set the stage for your child’s future. In high school, grades and extracurricular activities become part of that all-important “permanent record.” And if your child wants to get into a good college, she will have to go the extra mile.

If your child doesn’t use her time wisely and puts her schoolwork off to concentrate on her social life or after-school activities–and if her grades are showing this–gently prod her to get back to business. Remind her that her job right now is to get good grades and be a well-rounded student. Stay in contact with your child’s teachers and become a known figure around school. She will realize that you care deeply about her education—and her.

When School is Scary
There are other factors that may be keeping your teen from doing her best at school. Besides bullying (a longtime but nonetheless devestating concern), a serious issue facing many schools today is the presence of violence and atmosphere of fear. Every time there is another school shooting, kids all over the country have to overcome the terror of the thought that this can happen to them.

Many schools have instituted a policy of zero tolerance when it comes to guns (and drugs). But the means to attain this—metal detectors, drug-sniffing dogs—can also be frightening. Unfortunately, there is just no way around it. This is the world we live in. Comfort your child, let her know that the odds of this happening to her are very low, and remind her that protective systems are in place and that she still must concentrate on school.

Preventing and Dealing with Burnout
School pressure can come from teachers and parents, and it can also come from the child herself. Some pressure is good—it keeps a teen’s eye on the prize at the end of four years: The college of her choice.
But too much pressure, whether it comes from an adult or the child, is counterproductive and will lead to burnout. Make sure your teen balances her schoolwork and her life outside it, and remind her that these overwhelming years are a transition into adulthood.

Alternative School Programs
If your child is one of the thousands of kids who just doesn’t seem to be able to handle school, it isn’t the end of the world. Talk to your teen about the consequences of dropping out, and if all else fails try to find an alternative program.

When parents are involved in their children’s education, kids do better in school. Want to learn how to help your child achieve and succeed? Read on! You’ll learn why involvement is so important and suggestions for how to get involved.

Why Is Parental Involvement Important?

In study after study, researchers discover how important it is for parents to be actively involved in their child’s education. Here are some of the findings of major research into parental involvement:

* When parents are involved in their children’s education at home, they do better in school. And when parents are involved in school, children go farther in school — and the schools they go to are better.
* The family makes critical contributions to student achievement from preschool through high school. A home environment that encourages learning is more important to student achievement than income, education level or cultural background.
* Reading achievement is more dependent on learning activities in the home than is math or science. Reading aloud to children is the most important activity that parents can do to increase their child’s chance of reading success. Talking to children about books and stories read to them also supports reading achievement.
* When children and parents talk regularly about school, children perform better academically.
* Three kinds of parental involvement at home are consistently associated with higher student achievement: actively organizing and monitoring a child’s time, helping with homework and discussing school matters.
* The earlier that parent involvement begins in a child’s educational process, the more powerful the effects.
* Positive results of parental involvement include improved student achievement, reduced absenteeism, improved behavior, and restored confidence among parents in their children’s schooling.

How Can Parents Get Involved?
Involvement in your child’s education can mean:
* Reading to your child
* Checking homework every night
* Discussing your children’s progress with teachers
* Voting in school board elections
* Helping your school to set challenging academic standards
* Limiting TV viewing on school nights
* Becoming an advocate for better education in your community and state.

Or, it can be as simple as asking your children, “How was school today?” But ask every day. That will send your children the clear message that their schoolwork is important to you and you expect them to learn.

Some parents and families are able to be involved in their child’s education in many ways. Others may only have time for one or two activities. Whatever your level of involvement, do it consistently and stick with it because you will make an important difference in your child’s life.