Year 13 in General
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Year 13 in General
Well, back to school for the last time for DS1 today. I have to admit to feeling a little nostalgic and can very clearly remember the day I dropped him off in Reception 
However, onwards.
This year is so important and we want to support him as much as possible without running his life for him. He's not the most organised of chaps so I guess that is something to work with him on but any other advice from those that have trodden this path before?
However, onwards. This year is so important and we want to support him as much as possible without running his life for him. He's not the most organised of chaps so I guess that is something to work with him on but any other advice from those that have trodden this path before?
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad !
Re: Year 13 in General
Suggestions from years of 'mixed' experiences 
On a practical note re organisation -
Get an academic year wall planner and put on it the important dates eg. UCAS deadlines ( including ones the school sets for PS checking etc), mock exams, uni visit days, summer exams etc etc.
If you don't already try to have a fixed time each week to chill out with him - either one of you and him or as a family etc doing something he enjoys. It helps keeps relationships going even if things are tricky and gives him a time to talk if he wants to. Doesn't have to be for hours! but it also demonstrates to everyone that it's a priority.
Get him to schedule his time now so he has agreed amounts for socialising, computer games or whatever he enjoys so it's not a constant battle.
Agree a method for him keeping you informed about academic progress so he knows you are checking but again it's not a constant issue.
Book some treats to look forward to after probable stressful times/ to give a break - maybe some family ones and some with his friends. And put them on the planner too
Try to welcome his friends for socialising at your house ( can be trying at times!) It's a good way of getting a feel of how things are going.
If he doesn't already get him doing a bit of his own washing and cleaning ( especially the bathroom) and basic cooking ( can be done as a chill out time activity too) ready for flying the nest. Also reminds them that if they want independence they also have to take on responsibility
It is an important year but whatever the outcome it's fixable so try to enjoy it as well amongst the stresses.
On a practical note re organisation -
Get an academic year wall planner and put on it the important dates eg. UCAS deadlines ( including ones the school sets for PS checking etc), mock exams, uni visit days, summer exams etc etc.
If you don't already try to have a fixed time each week to chill out with him - either one of you and him or as a family etc doing something he enjoys. It helps keeps relationships going even if things are tricky and gives him a time to talk if he wants to. Doesn't have to be for hours! but it also demonstrates to everyone that it's a priority.
Get him to schedule his time now so he has agreed amounts for socialising, computer games or whatever he enjoys so it's not a constant battle.
Agree a method for him keeping you informed about academic progress so he knows you are checking but again it's not a constant issue.
Book some treats to look forward to after probable stressful times/ to give a break - maybe some family ones and some with his friends. And put them on the planner too
Try to welcome his friends for socialising at your house ( can be trying at times!) It's a good way of getting a feel of how things are going.
If he doesn't already get him doing a bit of his own washing and cleaning ( especially the bathroom) and basic cooking ( can be done as a chill out time activity too) ready for flying the nest. Also reminds them that if they want independence they also have to take on responsibility
It is an important year but whatever the outcome it's fixable so try to enjoy it as well amongst the stresses.
Re: Year 13 in General
Wise words, KB. Now to put them into practice. Schools round here aren't back until next week although I noticed Hillingdon borough schools were back yesterday so I guess it varies quite a lot.
scary mum
Re: Year 13 in General
Yes, it's easy to be wise after the event
Trouble is even when we learn from experience with older DCs the next one brings their own challenges!
Have enjoyed lack of traffic and no hoards of smoking children congregating at lunch and end of school times.
Trouble is even when we learn from experience with older DCs the next one brings their own challenges!
Have enjoyed lack of traffic and no hoards of smoking children congregating at lunch and end of school times.
Re: Year 13 in General
Thanks KB some very wise words and good ideas, some new and some we already do but needed to be reminded of.
I particularly like the wall planner idea, that will stop me asking the same question over and over and annoying him but also keep him focussed. His friends are here regularly and he has time when we take him to rugby fixtures etc or we cook together and we tend to do a lot of talking then so we've ticked a couple there. I like the idea of agreeing before hand "screen time" for want of a better phrase and agreeing a method of checking on progress it means I may be able to cut back on the nagging
Thank you.
I particularly like the wall planner idea, that will stop me asking the same question over and over and annoying him but also keep him focussed. His friends are here regularly and he has time when we take him to rugby fixtures etc or we cook together and we tend to do a lot of talking then so we've ticked a couple there. I like the idea of agreeing before hand "screen time" for want of a better phrase and agreeing a method of checking on progress it means I may be able to cut back on the nagging
Thank you.
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad !
