As my DD’s (darling daughter) 11th grade year is winding down, our stress level is rising up. Now that she is witnessing all of the senior activities going on, she is realizing that her class is next. Tuesday, she said “MOM…the Seniors took their class picture, and like OMG we realized THAT’S GOING TO BE US NEXT YEAR”… as she kept talking a mile a minute, I tuned her out. All I could think of is “How do I keep her in 11th grade for another 2 years?”. When her mouth stopped moving, I snapped out of my trance and realized “OMG she’s right!!!”

We have 4 months to go until the end of the school year. These next 4 month are going to suck. I’m just saying! Along with the dreaded week of finals, we’re also facing SAT, ACT, and AP exams. No wonder why these kids are so stressed.
My DD takes school VERY seriously, which is a good thing, and probably the reason she has a 3.9 GPA (I sure as heck didn’t). I am proud of her determination, but I also want her to enjoy her High School years. They are flying by so darn fast.

The Juniors recently met with their guidance counselors and completed their Senior year schedules. DD enrolled in; Anatomy & Physiology, Pre Cal, Avid, AP Psychology, AP Government & AP English. Yes friends, you read that correctly. No free period, no TA class. WTH? Back in my day, we couldn’t wait for senior year so we COULD slack off. My Best Friend and I didn’t have a 1st period, so we could sleep in and go to Denny’s before school.

Already, I see her stressing out about tests, up late doing homework, and constantly thinking about college, and her future. So much for a 17 year to to deal with. These are a few things I have done to make DD’s life a little easier this year (as well as mine). I thought this would make a useful blog post, so I decided to share these survival tips with you…

• ACT & SAT Prep books – These 500 + page books are essential for test prep. You can find them online or at your local bookstore. Some brands are better than others, and some books not only offer the written tests, but you can have access to the online versions.
• AP Exam Prep Books – same as above. These are specific to the subject test your child will take. This year DD is taking 2 AP exams (AP US History & AP Language Arts). Did I mention that these lovely tests are $98.00 a piece? I digress. That’s another blog post.
• SAT Flashcards – I found these gems at my local bookstore. I had no idea there were 10,000 of them in this little box. OK not that many, just 500. I try to quiz her a couple of times a week. I understand why she moans whenever I bring it up, I feel like I need an Aleve or 4 by the time we finish.
• A Starbucks gift card – Who doesn’t love these? Perfect for that late night caffeine run, or study group, and that’s less money you are always shelling out.
• A Planner – Now you know how I LOVE my Happy Planners! I got my DD a mini planner for Christmas. She loves it, is small and fits right in her purse. That way she can keep track of her classes, and important test dates, etc.
• A gift card to their favorite store – Even if it is just a $20.00 gift card to Tilly’s (not much to buy there for $20.00 I know) or Charming Charlie’s, it will cheer them up and encourage them to GET OUT OF THE HOUSE for a bit and take a breather! My DD is 17 and barely goes out!! (Who’s kid is this? really?)
• Send a text – I do this just to encourage my Daughter. When I know she is stressing out about a test, or I know she’s got a lot on her mind. I’ll shoot her a text of encouragement while she is at school. I know she will see it during passing period, or at lunch.
• Greeting Cards – You can also get a cute greeting card, and slip it in their purse or notebook just to let them know “You got this”, or a simple “I’m proud of you”. Who doesn’t like adoration and support?
• Encourage Study Groups – I don’t know why kids don’t like to do study groups. Those were the so much fun back in the day. Pizza, soda, gossip, 90210! Especially with their course loads, 4 heads are better than one. My DD does go to Saturday school sometimes, but’s that more for socializing.
• BevMo Gift Card – Not for your Teen. This is for YOU, to help get you through this stressful time. If you play your cards right, you can go during the 5 cent wine sale and stockpile it!!

Keep in mind, this list isn’t set in stone, but I hope you find these tips useful. Encourage, Motivate, and Support! These are the keys to success!

If all else fails, have glass of wine and a bubble bath!

For those of you with High School aged children, How are you handing your child’s Junior or Senior year?

Until next time…..

Crystal