January 2024
5 Strategies to Help Your Child Transition from Middle School to High School
Transitioning between middle school and high school is different for every child. As a parent we know you want to set your child up for success!
Today, our behavioral health specialist, Rickelle Hicks, gives 5 strategies to help your child transition from middle school to high school.
1: Social Relationships
Developmentally, it is normal and healthy for your kids’ friends to be their biggest influencers. Help them to understand the concept of “safe versus unsafe” friends. People in their inner circle should love and support them without condition.
Help your kids understand that having one close friend is better than 5 “semi-friends.” Who your kids become friends with will largely shape their high school experience.
Teens dearly need security and belonging but we want to encourage relationships that can give this to them in a healthy way.
2: Social Media
Boundaries create safety. Giving your kids specific "fences" for behaviors is going to make them feel secure. Especially with their phones.
Here is a wonderful resource on social media guidelines. Kids should be able to define their “strong yes’s and their strong no’s” which helps be a map for them for what they do and don’t allow into their lives and hearts.
3: Mental Health
The transition from middle to high school is full of complexities, but remember, your kids are always taking their cues from YOU. Make sure you help your kid understand no subject is off limits. What can be talked about can be dealt with so open the door for regular conversations about this upcoming change. Instead of you waiting for your kid to bring things up, initiate conversations with them. They may need you to ask them specific questions about what they are worried, concerned, excited about.
Kids often tell me they worry about telling a parent how much they are struggling so if you have concern, normalize getting help. School counselors are a great place to start and there are many licensed therapists in Mesa County that love supporting teenagers navigate through this transition.
Make sure they find some older mentors within trusted organizations like clubs and sports. Freshman should have a senior of the same gender and a trusted adult in the school like a coach, teacher, or club advisor.
4: Physical Activity
Keep them busy! Idle time is going to create boredom which often leads to kids finding maladaptive ways to fill their time. It doesn't matter what the activity is, just make sure it is prosocial and promotes healthy movement of their body. Mental health is directly connected to physical health.
5: Substance Use
Teenagers use substances for two reasons:
1. Experimentation
2. Self medicating to mask emotional pain.
What may seem harmless to them can lead to major issues. The CDC states that marijuana use increases the risk of mental health issues, impaired driving, and potential for addiction. Mesa County recently released a report on the trends of substance use for youth which reflected a two times higher rate of tobacco product exploration compared to the rest of the state.
Help your teen understand no substance is harmless and seek out help and advice from professionals.
Call our office at (970) 609-7337 to schedule an appointment with Rickelle and our behavioral health team.