As a parent with a 9th grader, I'm curious about how involved I should get in my child's high school career to help him reach his college admissions goals. I've heard stories about parents who have ruined their children's chances at a great university by, essentially, arguing with admissions offices, forking out money to pay for essay writing consultants (which turn a real essay into a feigned work of art), and just getting far too involved. How far is too far?
Answers
After your child goes off to college, he or she is going to be out of your hands. I think it's important to guide your child but if you find yourself doing any of the following things, you're probably going "too far":
1. Paying someone to write his or her essay
2. Arguing with his or her teacher about grades
3. Forcing him or her to join certain clubs or play certain sports
I think the best thing you can do is have an honest conversation with your child and say, "Look, if you want to have a good job, financial security, and a good lifestyle, you are going to need to work hard, get into a good college, and work hard in college to get a good job."
We are living in a globalized economy and today's college students need to work a lot harder to succeed than graduates 30 years ago did. If you're just average, your job is going to be outsourced.
1. Paying someone to write his or her essay
2. Arguing with his or her teacher about grades
3. Forcing him or her to join certain clubs or play certain sports
I think the best thing you can do is have an honest conversation with your child and say, "Look, if you want to have a good job, financial security, and a good lifestyle, you are going to need to work hard, get into a good college, and work hard in college to get a good job."
We are living in a globalized economy and today's college students need to work a lot harder to succeed than graduates 30 years ago did. If you're just average, your job is going to be outsourced.
Parents should back off.
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first your child should want to do activities such as volunteering in your community, i will tell you this, i am now a junior in high school, 16 almost 17 years old and i've done almost every club possible in my school. i love meeting new people and getting involved was one of the best things i've ever done. you learn so much from other people than you ever thought you would. it will teach your child listening skills and discipline just by being with other children his age and just by being able to help people out. currently now i am in this program called valley united way, its so wonderful, we are doing middle school leadership conferances, harvest house, spooner house and went to camp jewell for friendships and leadership skills. by getting him more involved with school activinties it will not only make him a better person, but it will also help him with his confidence and will make him motivated to do his work. he will stop being lazy and will start being studious and strong. so responding as an opinion from a high school student who isnt what some people would call a "nerdy" figure, im jus a normal high school girl who loves peple an is motivated to do well and excell, so goodluck with your son ma'am.