Costly Mistakes that Guardians Make When Educating Online High School Teens
Many parents feel apprehensive about their children attending high school online, but with the right level of preparation and support, it can be a great educational experience for both teens and guardians. Unfortunately, many guardians make common mistakes that can lead to costly consequences. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common errors made when educating online high school students and offer tips on how to avoid them.
What Are Some Common Mistakes That Parents Make When Educating their Teens Online?
1. Not Prioritizing High School Credits
One of the most common mistakes guardians make is not prioritizing high school credits. With online education, it’s easy to get caught up in the college prep process and neglect the importance of completing high school credits.
While preparing for college is important, it’s essential that guardians ensure their teens are earning the credits they need to graduate from high school first. This can be done by working with the teen’s guidance counselor to create a credit plan and regularly monitor the student’s progress.
2. Not Monitoring Internet Use
Another mistake parents often make is not monitoring their teen’s internet use. It’s important to set clear expectations for internet use and monitor compliance closely.
Many online high school courses require students to complete assignments and take tests online, so guardians must ensure their teens have access to a reliable internet connection.
In addition, parents should be aware of the potential dangers of the internet and take steps to protect their teens from cyberbullies, predators, and other risks.
3. Not Establishing a Schedule
Another common mistake is not establishing a schedule for online learning. Just as with traditional schooling, it’s important to set aside time each day for coursework and stick to a regular routine.
This can be difficult for some families, but there are a few things that can help:
- Create a dedicated space for learning that is free from distractions.
- Establish clear expectations with your teen about when coursework should be completed.
- Make use of tools like calendars and planners to help your teen stay on track.
4. Not Checking in Regularly
Many parents make the mistake of not checking in with their teens regularly about their online courses. This includes things like checking in on assignments, quizzes, and tests. This can lead to problems like falling behind in assignments or not understanding important concepts.
To avoid this, it’s important to set aside time each week to check in with your teen about their courses. This is a good time to review progress, address any concerns, and offer support.
5. Not Staying Involved
Another common mistake is failing to stay involved in your teen’s education. Just because your child is attending school online doesn’t mean you can’t be involved in their schooling.
It’s important to be just as involved in your child’s education as you would if they were attending a traditional school. This means staying up-to-date on their courses, communicating with their teachers, and monitoring their progress.
6. Not Seeking Help
Many parents are reluctant to seek help when their teen is struggling with online schooling. However, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. There are many resources available to help parents navigate the world of online education.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to your child’s teacher, guidance counselor, or another trusted adult for help.
7. Not Understanding the Technology
Another common mistake is failing to take the time to understand the technology used for online schooling. While most online courses are relatively simple to use, it’s still important for parents to familiarize themselves with the basics.
This includes things like logging in to the learning platform, submitting assignments, and taking tests. If you’re unsure about how to use the technology, reach out to your child’s school or another trusted adult for help.
8. Not Preparing for Technical Difficulties
Many parents fail to prepare for technical difficulties that may arise during online schooling. While most online courses are designed to be user-friendly, there is always a possibility of technical problems.
To avoid this, it’s important to have a backup plan in place. This could include having a backup internet connection, downloading coursework in advance, or having a trusted adult on call to help with technical issues.
9. Not Giving Feedback
Another common mistake is failing to give feedback about online courses. Just as with traditional schooling, it’s crucial to provide feedback about your teen’s online courses.
This includes things like course content, assignments, and tests. Your feedback can help improve the quality of the courses and make sure your child is getting the most out of their education.
10. Not Encouraging Socialization
Many parents worry that their teens will become isolated when attending school online. However, it’s important to remember that online schooling doesn’t have to be isolating. There are many ways for teens to socialize and interact with their peers online.
This includes things like joining discussion forums, participating in group projects, and joining online clubs. Encourage your teen to take advantage of these opportunities to socialize and interact with their peers.
11. Not Setting Rules and Expectations
Just because your teen is attending school online doesn’t mean you shouldn’t set rules and expectations. In fact, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your child’s online courses and what is expected of them.
This includes things like deadlines, expectations for participation, and consequences for not meeting those expectations. By setting clear rules and expectations, you can help your teen stay on track and successful in their online courses.
12. Letting Teens Slack Off on School Work
It can be easy for parents to let their teens slack off on schoolwork while attending school online. However, it’s important to remember that online courses are just as challenging as traditional courses.
This means that your teen still needs to put in the effort to succeed. If you notice your child is slacking off, talk to them about the importance of completing their coursework and staying on track.
13. Spending Too Much Money on Unnecessary Things
Many parents make the mistake of spending too much money on things like new laptops or fancy software when their teen starts online schooling. However, most online programs can be completed with basic technology.
This means that you don’t need to spend a lot of money on new equipment or software. Instead, focus on getting the basics that your child needs to be successful in their courses.
14. Failing to Have Regular Conversations About Cyberbullying, Sexting, and Other Online Dangers
Just because your teen is attending school online doesn’t mean you shouldn’t talk to them about cyberbullying, sexting, and other online dangers. These are all real risks teens face when using the internet.
It’s important to have regular conversations with your teen about these dangers and how to avoid them. This will help keep your child safe while they’re attending school online.
15. Forgetting that they Need Guidance Too – Not Just Their Children
Online schooling can be a big adjustment for parents. It’s important to remember that you might need some help and guidance. There are many resources available to help parents learn about online schooling. This includes things like online forums, parent groups, and educational websites. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed by online schooling.
16. Not Celebrating Successes Along the Way
It’s important to celebrate your teen’s successes, even if they’re attending school online. This includes getting good grades, completing assignments on time, or passing tests.
Taking the time to celebrate these milestones will help keep your child motivated and encourage them to continue doing well in their courses.
17. Trying to do Everything Yourself
Many parents make the mistake of trying to do everything themselves when their child starts online schooling. However, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to do it alone.
Many resources are available to help you, including online forums, parent groups, and educational websites. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed by online schooling.
While online schooling has many benefits, there are also some potential pitfalls that parents should be aware of. You can set your child up for success in their online courses by avoiding these mistakes.
How Do You Help and Encourage Your Child to Learn?
1. One way you can help your child learn is to be involved in their education. This means attending parent-teacher conferences, helping with homework, and being involved in their school activities.
2. You can also encourage your child to learn by providing them with a positive learning environment at home. This includes having a designated study area, setting up a daily routine, and encouraging them to take breaks when needed.
3. Additionally, you can help your child learn by teaching them effective study habits. This includes things like showing them how to take notes, teaching them how to focus while studying and helping them develop a good study schedule.
4. Finally, you can encourage your child to learn by being a good role model. This means setting a good example by being an active learner yourself. When you show your child that learning is important to you, they’ll be more likely to value their own education.
Conclusion
Guardians face unique challenges when it comes to educating their teens online. However, with the right tools and resources in place, you can help your teen stay on track and succeed in high school.
At High School of America, we provide parents with the necessary support they need to feel confident about their child’s education. We also offer an online diploma program that allow students to learn at their own pace.
Contact us today to learn more about our program and how we can help your teen achieve success in high school.