20 Things I Want My Son To Know Before Starting High School

I blinked and you grew up. You’re about to step out of the primary school gates for the last time. And the world suddenly got a whole lot bigger for you, my son.

It’s time to set sail on another adventure. High school is sometimes smooth sailing. Sometimes the waters will churn. Other times the sun will shine, and you’ll be riding such an incredible wave. And sometimes the wind will be completely taken out of your sails.

And this is what I want you to know, as you move a little bit closer to the man you’re destined to become, and a little bit further away from the boy I still kiss goodnight.

Things I Want My Son To Know Before Starting High School

These are the best days of your young life.
Your worth is not based on what others think of you.
Your words have so much power.
You’ll be banking a lifetime of core memories.
Not everyone will be as kind as you.
It’s ok if you don’t know what you want to do or who you want to be. Lots of adults are in the same boat.
Social media is not real life. Don’t forget to look up at the real world every now and again.
Concentrate in class. You’ll learn amazing stuff.
You’ll make new friends and lose old ones.
Some special teachers will leave a mark on your life far beyond high school. You’ll remember their lessons forever.
Try new things. Just nothing illegal.
It’s ok to be overwhelmed by big feelings. But don’t hide them.
Have fun. Laugh, joke and be silly. You’re still a kid.
Failing is learning. Say it again: failing is learning.
Hormones will make you cray cray.
Hormones will make your friends cray cray.
Trust your gut feeling. If your body is telling you something is off, listen.
Photos are forever, even if you delete them.
Never forget who you are. Anyone who loves you will never ask you to be anything else.
You’re still my baby. Always.

What do you want your kids to know before starting high school? Let us know in the comments.

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49 Comments

- - Ellen said
  - 17 Jan 2024
    5:39 am
Great suggestions, thanks for sharing. I thinkone of most important messages we have to give our kids is that how loved and special there are, it will form a strong basis for their self esteem. We also need to prepare our kids to become resilient from an early age

- - smart_ass said
  - 21 Feb 2023
    9:47 am
wonderful list which I think we can all live by

- - rovermum said
  - 30 Jan 2023
    9:56 am
My son went through High School and he tells me they were not the best days of his life and he hated it. And I know this. He was bullied, unsupported by the school, yet he is the kindest, most loyal human being. He was in leadership roles, but really struggled with his peer group who were often touted as the worst year level to go through the school — by staff! I’m sure that didn’t help. So I had to tell him that he just needed to get to the end of Year 12 and then all that would be behind him, and he would not have to see most of those people again. He has blossomed post-High School. It’s not great for everyone.
- Ellen replied
  
  17 Jan 2024 , 5:29 am
  Aw bless, sorry to hear your son went through this !
- - Bizma said
  - 26 Jan 2023
    11:17 pm
My elder one is just starting grade 1 but its not too lobg before high school. Makes me kinda sad

- - mom481907 said
  - 26 Jan 2023
    12:19 pm
Great list. My first baby starts highschool next week and I have no idea how we got here so quick! ???? sad but excited for the next chapter as well

- - firsttimemum12 said
  - 26 Jan 2023
    10:00 am
This is wonderful. It seems like forever away but we only have a certain amount of summers left with our young ones before they want to go and be with their friends and do their own thing!

- - MummaD said
  - 23 Jan 2023
    11:34 am
Great list but not just for sons.

- - Frankiielot said
  - 18 Jan 2023
    7:39 pm
I wish more kids would just be themselves. So much pressure to be or look a certain way. I wish I had told myself to not be a sheep.
There’s also two sides to one story – your “friends” shouldn’t dictate who you should and shouldn’t be friends with. Give people the benefit of the doubt as they may surprise you!
- mom481907 replied
  
  26 Jan 2023 , 12:17 pm
  Great additions to the list
- - rovermum said
  - 18 Jan 2023
    9:20 am
My son had a hell of a time in High School and I don’t agree it’s the best years of your life. I think the time after high school is. His time at High School was hell with so much bullying, so many issues, girls behaving so badly, etc. It was hell for all of us. I simply told him once you leave High School you won’t see most of these people ever again – and let’s see where they are in 5 years!

- - sars_angelchik said
  - 17 Jan 2023
    10:45 am
Some very good advice there.

- - mom486197 said
  - 17 Jan 2023
    10:35 am
This is a great list of considerations to discuss with your child.

- - mom489365 said
  - 17 Jan 2023
    6:29 am
Great list. My son started last year and had issues for a few months. I gave him all the advice and tips I could. By term’ 3 he came to me with a big hug and kiss and said thank you mum, you were right with all the things you told me earlier this year and I now have great friends.

- - mom101628 said
  - 16 Jan 2023
    11:57 pm
A beautiful list for all of us to follow. Thanks for sharing.

- - ~Loui~ said
  - 16 Jan 2023
    10:01 pm
And well beyond the first years of high school.

- - mom485125 said
  - 26 Mar 2022
    3:14 pm
Love these. Relevant for all kids