Letter to a Parent of a High School Junior

Dear Parent of a High School Junior,

There’s no hiding it now.  High school is half over and young adulthood is right around the corner for your child.

They’re comfortable and settled in to high school, and they may or may not be thinking about their plans after high school.

This is the perfect time to officially start talking college if you haven’t already (and seriously, it’s okay if you haven’t!).  This is the beginning of an incredible journey where your child will discover so many new things about themselves, and so will you.  You will have the opportunity to witness them grow and emerge (slowly :) ) into adulthood. This is the beginning of that journey - and it’s so exciting!

But, it’s scary.  It’s overwhelming.  All this college talk - it’s happening fast!  As a parent, it is okay to feel nervous and scared for the future for your child while also feeling excited for them.  It’s natural to have all the feelings at once. Know that by starting this post-high school process now during junior year, it makes things easier in the coming months and the next two years.

For your child, junior year is often the hardest year of high school academically.  In addition to that, they’re expected to deal with their post-high school plans, maybe go to prom, date, learn how to drive, take standardized tests, maybe go on some college visits… and have a social life?  You might find yourself supporting your child in a way you never have before. I recommend finding support and resources as you need them. Whether that’s finding friends with other college-bound teens, utilizing free online resources, seeing a therapist, or working with a consultant, do what you need to do to keep yourself healthy, organized, and sane.

Never forget that you and your child have prepared for junior year and you are where you are supposed to be.  No matter what your child’s plans are after college, or even if plans change, that’s okay - and it will all work out exactly how it is supposed to.

Lastly, remember that while you still have so much time before your child leaves home… that time will go by quickly.  Take advantage of every moment, event, and momentous occasion, big or small!

Here to support you,

Carly