The involvement of parents and families in their children’s education helps develop more successful students at all levels of education. Students with involved parents are more likely to have good attendance, perform better in classes and on tests, enroll in more challenging classes, have fewer social problems, graduate and go on to college.

No age is too young to start preparing your children for college. A great brochure called “10 Steps to Prepare Your Child for College” and other sources to help parents guide their children through their school years can be found at www.collegeispossible.org.

Your child may already have an idea of what he or she plans to do after high school. This idea may be realistic, like going on to a two- or four-year college or university, career school, vocational-technical school, or working in the family business. Or, it may be more of a dream at this point, like becoming a professional athlete. Or maybe your child has so many different interests; his or her dreams may change almost every day. Whatever future your child dreams about, decisions that you both make now and throughout high school are very important.

Keep in mind the fact that you sometimes do not know what you “want to do when you grow up” and understand the fact that young people change their minds often so the best plan is to keep their options open.

Here are a few things you can do with your child that will help set him or her up for a successful future:

• Challenge your child to be the best he or she can be. Talk with your child about why it is important to be the best he or she can be and that it is within his or her own power to be a better student.
• Help your child understand the importance of taking the right courses. Since education after high school often has certain requirements, it is important that you and your child work with the guidance counselor early to make sure he or she is taking the correct courses.
• Make sure your child develops wise habits outside of school. Often a good student is one who has certain habits both inside and outside school. Talk with your child about what the family can do to support his or her good study habits.
• It is never too early to start thinking about the future. Now is the best time for you and your child to explore careers and discuss opportunities. There are some very good and easy-to-use computer programs that can help young students begin to explore different careers. Explore right along with your child!