Prepping Your 8th Grader for High School

Eighth grade is such an exciting time! Students are starting to think more independently, ask big questions, and figure out their identities. It’s a big step closer to adulthood, but there’s one more adventure first — high school. 

High school ushers in new opportunities, challenges, and a completely different set of expectations. Wondering how to help your child transition to 9th grade and thrive in a new setting? We’ve got a few tips to help you along the way.

Establish a manageable study routine

Help your middle schooler build strong study habits now, beyond finding a quiet place to do homework. Encourage them to put their phone away, minimize distractions, and create a daily plan. Strategies might include breaking down larger assignments into smaller chunks or finding a study buddy for different classes. Short breaks every 20 minutes can also help them stay refreshed and focused. This structured study approach can make a big difference in how they manage their high school classes and teachers’ expectations.

Boost social skills

Navigating friendships and social situations is a big part of the middle school experience. You can help your 8th grader build confidence and social skills by talking to them about the importance of open communication, such as:

• Making eye contact
• Asking questions
• Understanding other people’s emotions

Set a good example by showing your child how to be a good friend and role model through your own social interactions. Teach your child to respect boundaries and understand their limits and comfort levels in social situations. Fostering these skills will empower your teen to build strong, healthy relationships and navigate the social landscape of high school more confidently.

Chat about expectations and goals

Have an open, honest conversation with your child about expectations and goals for this new chapter. It doesn’t have to be a lengthy, formal sit-down, either. Break this conversation into chunks, like chatting while walking the dog or going for ice cream so your kiddo doesn’t feel pressured.

• Practice active listening: Invite your child to share their hopes and concerns about high school. What worries them? What gets them excited?
• Share your expectations: Communicate your feelings about grades, attendance, and participation in extracurricular activities. Be realistic and open to negotiation.
• Set goals together: Help your kiddo set achievable academic and personal goals, like earning a specific grade point average, trying out for a sports team, or joining a new club.
• Create a plan for success: Give your teen the lead and work together to develop strategies to meet those goals, like creating a study schedule and figuring out how to manage their time effectively.
• Establish clear consequences: Clarify the consequences of not meeting expectations and rewards for hitting goals. Invite your child to be an active part of this discussion. A consequence for missing too many homework assignments might be less time allowed online; a reward for acing a quiz or test might mean a bonus in their allowance.

This transition is significant for you both — working together and communicating openly benefits everyone.

Get to know the school

Depending on your district, your child’s 8th-grade class might go on a field trip to the high school. Some schools invite freshmen to start a day early so there’s more time for them to learn their schedule, meet their teachers, and find their lockers. Once the school year begins, high schools also host open houses for parents of incoming freshmen. 

Connect with the teachers and other parents

Social media is a great way to connect with parents of current high school students. Check if your child’s high school has a social media account and start there. A school’s parent-teacher association (PTA) or parent advisory committee (PAC) is an excellent way to find other parents. If you get the opportunity, try to meet your child’s teachers. According to the CDC, better student behavior, higher academic achievement, and well-developed social skills are linked closely to parent engagement. 

Help with time management and prioritization

High school is a juggling act, but you can help your teen master the art of time management and prioritization. First, figure out what works best for them. Everyone is different, so encourage them to experiment with various strategies — a planner, a digital tool, or a simple to-do list — to see what clicks. Guide your teen to identify the most important tasks and tackle them first. Remember: mastering time management is a process. Offer encouragement and guidance as your teen learns to navigate their busy schedule.

Make time for family

If your child’s the type to go all-in, high school will also be a whirlwind of activity. Amidst the pressure of classes, extracurriculars, and social life, family life can get lost in the shuffle. But now more than ever, you should keep the connection and shared experiences, even if it takes some creative planning.

Schedule family time like any other appointment. Block out a dedicated spot on your calendar for a weekly family dinner, movie night, or game night, and make it non-negotiable. Put away phones, tablets, and laptops to focus on connecting and enjoying each other’s company.

Plan to be flexible because sometimes, life just happens. If extracurricular activities, sports practice or games, or other commitments occasionally conflict with family time, reschedule. The important thing is to make it a priority.

Encourage involvement

Encourage your child to get involved in extracurricular activities that spark their interest. Whether it’s the debate team or robotics, playing sports or an instrument, learning to code or how to play chess, these activities:

• Provide a space for teens to sate their curiosity and discover new talents.
• Develop essential soft skills like teamwork, collaboration, time management, and communication.
• Boost college applications, helping your teen to become more well-rounded.
• Expand students’ social circle.

By supporting your teen’s involvement, you’re empowering them to develop some independence, learn more about themselves, and get the most out of high school.

A caveat: Support, don’t pressure. The goal is for your teen to find activities they genuinely enjoy — not just things that look good on a resume. It’s also okay if teens try different activities and change their minds. The value of extracurriculars lies in the learning and growth that happens along the way, not just the end result.

Stay informed about your child’s progress

These next four years will teach your child to take ownership of their learning — but it doesn’t hurt to monitor their progress as you cheer them on from the sidelines. Log into the school portal periodically and attend parent-teacher conferences. More importantly, don’t forget to ask your teen how they’re doing!

Remind them you’re in their corner

High school is a rollercoaster. Your child will experience triumphs and setbacks, excitement and frustration, and probably some drama along the way. Your teen needs you now more than ever (even if they don’t always show it). 

• Offer unconditional love and reminders that your love and acceptance aren’t contingent on their grades, choices, or popularity.
• Listen actively when your child shares their concerns, fears, and dreams. Create a safe, judgment-free zone for them to open up to you.
• Provide guidance, not control, and resist the urge to dictate your teen’s every move. Make recommendations or suggestions and support to help them find their own way.
• Be their safety net, assuring them you’re there to catch them if they fall. Celebrate their successes and offer comfort and encouragement during adversity.
• Take care of yourself! Supporting a teen through high school can be as emotionally draining as their middle school experience. Make time to address your well-being so you can be there for your teen when they need you.

Get ready, parents! As your eighth-grader prepares for high school, you’re about to embark on a whole new adventure together. Expect to navigate new boundaries, offer support through a maelstrom of emotions, and watch your child blossom into a young adult.

Want more tips and insights? Check out our full Guide to Middle School here.