The beginning of high school is often more exciting than school enrolment itself.
The passage to secondary school is the start of a new period as it marks the first step into adulthood. Parents can accompany and support this new phase in a positive way and thus avoid possible difficulties and challenges.
Open days are a great opportunity to get an initial impression of the new school environment and to breathe in the new atmosphere. The school's website offers additional information about running activities, timetables, future projects and appointments.
Together with your child you can plan the new way to school: at what time do you need to take which bus/train in order to arrive punctually. It might be best to either walk or drive the new route to school with your child. In case your child does not have its own house-key yet, now would be a suitable time. By giving your child their own key they learn to become independent and to come home alone.
Handing over the keys or walking/driving the new way to school could become a ritual that introduces a new stage in life. Metaphorically-speaking it shows your confidence in your child and that you trust them. Such rituals are vital because they create structure and mark transitions. Equally important is it to not ask too much nor too little of your child.
Contact time with teachers in secondary school is not as intensive as in primary school because almost every subject is taught by a different teacher. However less contact time with teachers increases the child's independence but it is useful to inform your child about the change in contact time.
Let your child know that from now onwards they will have a "régent(e)" (course leader) who is available if they have any questions or problems. In addition to this, tell your child about the school's website "SPOS" (Service de Psychologie et d'Orientation Scolaire - Service of Psychology and Academic Orientation) so that they know where to go if they feel the need to talk to someone.
Parents' evenings provide the perfect opportunity to meet your child's teachers in person. Speaking to them brings clarity and leads to a better collaboration.
Lunch breaks can also be organized in advance. You can ask your child whether they want to eat at the canteen or whether they prefer to take lunch from home. To ensure your child's well-being a healthy and balanced diet is crucial.
The transition to secondary school entails a new school situation in general where you can support to your children. It can be helpful to address the following things in advance: time management and organization, setting specific times for homework and correcting homework in moderation. Encourage your child' independence without restricting it.
Ask questions and listen to your child without pestering them. Questions like: 'How was your day' or 'How do you get on with your schoolmates/teachers' are allowed and useful. Try to accept your child's answer, even if it is barely an answer. Maybe your child wants to go into more detail in the evening, or the next day. Show your child that you are interested and responsive but do not insist on a response. Just let them know you are there for them.
For more questions or information you can call the parents' helpline: 26 64 05 55. This is an anonymous and confidential service, available from Monday to Friday at 9.00 - 12.00 and on Wednesday evenings from 17.00 - 20.00. It would also be a good idea to save the 'Kanner-Jugendtelefon' number into your child's phone. The 'Kanner-Jugendtelefon' is the anonymous, confidential and free equivalent to the parent's helpline that can be called for any questions, worries or problems.
The service is available by phone: 1 1 6 1 1 1 or online through Online Help:
