Studies show time and time again that children do better when their parents are involved with their school and education. That doesn't change once our kids are teens.
Once a child hits the high school years, a parent's role in their education changes. No longer is helping out on field trips or in the classroom a requirement. In fact, many teens would likely view an over-involvement from Mom or Dad as an intrusion and an embarrassment. Still there are ways we can remain actively involved in our teen's education from arms length, such as joining their school's Parent Advisory Council or equivalent.

On a more personal level, there is a vital place for parents in their teen's schooling at home, says education professor, Dr. Allison Preece. "We can support our adolescents and teenagers as they move into junior and senior high school the way we did when they were younger, by keeping the lines of communication open. We can talk to them about what it's like, what they're experiencing, enjoying and struggling with."

Education psychologist Dr. Ouida Wright agrees that support on the home front is an important part of a teen's success at school. "What they (teens) do need is a nurturing home environment, an environment that asks interesting questions about what they do in school and provides support for any activity or project."

Dr. Wright adds that maintaining communication between your child and his teachers is also important."If there's going to be a home and school meeting, go to it. These things are just as important at the secondary level as at the elementary level and is reflected in the schoolwork of these students," says Wright.