Tips For Parents Supporting Online High Schoolers

Supporting online high schoolers can be both rewarding and challenging, especially as they navigate the unique aspects of remote learning. As a parent, your role is crucial in helping them stay motivated, organized, and on track. Here are some tips to help you support your teen effectively in an online high school environment:

1. Create a Structured Environment

• Designate a Study Area: Set up a quiet, comfortable, and distraction-free study space for your teen. This space should be equipped with all the necessary tools (laptop, notebooks, charging station, etc.) and separate from areas associated with relaxation or entertainment (like the bedroom or living room).

• Establish a Routine: Encourage a regular daily schedule that mimics the structure of a traditional school day. This includes set hours for starting schoolwork, taking breaks, eating meals, and finishing homework. Having a consistent routine can help your teen stay focused and feel more in control of their day.

2. Set Clear Expectations and Goals

• Discuss Expectations for Learning: Have an open conversation about the expectations you have for their learning experience, including how much time should be dedicated to studying, completing assignments, and attending virtual classes.

• Set Short- and Long-Term Goals: Help your teen break down their academic responsibilities into smaller, manageable goals. These might include completing a certain number of assignments each week or reviewing specific subjects on particular days. Setting clear, achievable goals can keep them motivated and organized.

3. Stay Involved, But Encourage Independence

• Monitor Progress Without Micromanaging: Stay involved by checking in on your teen’s assignments, grades, and overall progress, but avoid hovering or doing the work for them. Encourage them to take ownership of their learning, which fosters independence and responsibility.

• Support Problem-Solving Skills: When challenges arise—whether technical difficulties or academic struggles—work with your teen to help them problem-solve. This teaches them resilience and critical thinking while reducing stress.

4. Encourage Communication with Teachers

• Foster Open Communication with Educators: Encourage your teen to actively communicate with their teachers when they need help or clarification. Let them know it’s okay to ask questions and seek additional resources if needed.

• Use Teacher Office Hours: Many online courses offer virtual office hours or opportunities for one-on-one support. Encourage your teen to take advantage of these, especially if they’re struggling with specific subjects or concepts.

5. Help Manage Time Effectively

• Use a Calendar or Planner: Help your teen organize their assignments, tests, and deadlines by using a digital or physical calendar. Tools like Google Calendar, Trello, or a simple planner can assist with keeping track of important dates and breaking down large projects into smaller tasks.

• Implement Time-Blocking Techniques: Encourage your teen to break their study time into focused, manageable blocks with scheduled breaks in between (e.g., 25-minute study sessions followed by a 5-minute break, or “Pomodoro Technique”). This promotes productivity and prevents burnout.

6. Promote Healthy Study Habits

• Encourage Active Learning: Remind your teen that passive activities, like just reading or watching videos, are not as effective as actively engaging with the material. Encourage them to take notes, summarize information in their own words, and self-test to strengthen learning.

• Minimize Distractions: Help your teen create a study-friendly environment by eliminating distractions, such as turning off social media notifications or using apps that block distracting websites during study time.

7. Support Emotional Well-being

• Watch for Signs of Burnout or Stress: Remote learning can sometimes be isolating, and your teen may feel overwhelmed or stressed. Check in with them regularly about their emotional well-being. Make sure they’re balancing schoolwork with downtime and engaging in activities that bring them joy.

• Provide Encouragement and Positivity: Keep the lines of communication open about their successes and challenges. Celebrate achievements, no matter how small, and be a source of encouragement when things get tough. Your positivity can help boost their morale and resilience.

8. Be Aware of Technical Challenges

• Ensure Reliable Technology: Make sure your teen has the necessary technology and internet access to participate in online learning. Ensure their computer, internet connection, and software are up to date and functioning properly.

• Troubleshoot Technical Issues Together: If technical difficulties arise, be ready to support your teen. Whether it’s helping them troubleshoot a problem with a learning platform, setting up video calls, or navigating online tools, having a backup plan for technical issues (like knowing how to contact technical support) will help reduce frustration.

9. Encourage Physical Activity and Movement

• Promote Physical Well-being: Sitting for long periods in front of a screen can lead to physical strain. Encourage your teen to take breaks to stretch, move around, or engage in physical activities like walking, yoga, or sports. Staying active can help improve focus and reduce stress.

• Get Outside: Whenever possible, encourage your teen to spend time outdoors. Fresh air and exposure to natural light can improve mood, increase energy levels, and refresh their mind.

10. Foster Social Connections

• Encourage Virtual Socialization: Online learning can be isolating, so encourage your teen to maintain social connections with their peers. They can engage in virtual hangouts, participate in online clubs, or even set up study groups with classmates.

• Look for Extracurricular Opportunities: Many online schools offer virtual extracurricular activities or clubs. Help your teen find opportunities to get involved, whether it’s an online debate club, music group, or volunteer project.

11. Stay Flexible and Adaptable

• Embrace Flexibility: One of the advantages of online learning is flexibility. If something isn’t working—whether it’s the schedule, learning environment, or study techniques—help your teen adapt. Encourage them to be flexible and open to trying different strategies.

• Be Patient: Adjusting to online school takes time. There will be challenges and setbacks, but remain patient and supportive. Celebrate small wins and be understanding if they encounter obstacles.

12. Set Boundaries Between School and Home Life

• Define “School Hours” and “Personal Time”: Help your teen establish boundaries between schoolwork and relaxation. This means setting clear “school hours” and making sure there’s dedicated time for rest and extracurricular activities.

• Encourage Downtime: It’s easy for online students to feel like they’re always “on.” Make sure your teen has time to unwind, watch TV, read, or engage in a hobby they enjoy. This balance is essential for long-term success and well-being.

13. Monitor Progress and Offer Praise

• Regular Check-ins: Schedule weekly or biweekly check-ins to discuss your teen’s academic progress, what they’ve learned, and if they need any help with schoolwork. This helps you stay involved and ensures that problems are addressed early on.

• Praise Effort and Growth: Acknowledge the effort your teen puts into their work, not just the final grades. Praising their persistence, critical thinking, and dedication helps build self-confidence and motivation.