When students require additional support during their transition to secondary school, the following tips and guidelines for parents and guardians:

Communicate with your Student

• Ask open-ended questions
• Discuss issues without lecturing or telling the student what to do
• Listen to them, and be aware of the language you use
• Acknowledge their feelings of doubt, depression and homesickness
• Stay focused on what is really important and critical
• Avoid the urge to problem solve – focus on fostering independence and offer resources for students to make their own decisions
• Have confidence in the student’s abilities and ability to cope

Have Realistic Expectations

• Don’t be surprised if questions are not answered as quickly as you may like
• Expect a change in academic results ? a significant drop in marks in the first year is common. As students learn new academic skills, their marks will improve
• Expect changes in behaviour and appearances as the student discovers their new identity
• Discuss expectations about family participation and involvement for students living at home – Parents and students may have different expectations about what home life will be like. The same applies for residence students who move home or return home for the summer
• Parents and guardians may also want to examine the expectations they have communicated to the student related to academic performance and success