Your teen has learned a lot about themselves the past couple of years and likely is a little more self-assured, though they are still examining the question of who they are and who they want to be. Their relationship with you may be easier than in recent years, and they may begin seeing you more as a person rather than a disciplinarian. They may see a lot of exciting possibilities for their future, but they can also feel overwhelmed at the same time.
At This Stage, Your Child May Be
- Learning more defined work habits and showing greater organizational skills, juggling school, extracurricular activities and even work
- Better able to give reasons for their own choices
- Showing more concern about future plans for school and work
- Having many friends of both genders
- Experiencing intense romantic relationships and having stronger sexual urges; they might even be sexually active
- Engaging with the world more, exploring jobs and thinking more about religion, political issues and social causes
Talk About Morals
Effective education in the areas of sex, contraceptives, drugs, alcohol and smoking is extremely important. It is appropriate and important to express your own moral values about these subjects, but try to be flexible and open-minded. Let your child ask questions and express his or her feelings without fear of judgment or punishment.
Tips for Supporting Your Teen
Although your teen will be spending less time with you and more time with friends this year, you can still be supportive and present for them. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends these actions for positive parenting:
- Show interest in their school and extracurricular interests and activities, and encourage them to become involved in activities such as sports, music, theater and art.
- Encourage them to volunteer and become involved in civic activities in their community.
- If your teen engages in interactive Internet media such as games, chat rooms and instant messaging, encourage them to make good decisions about what they post and the amount of time they spend on these activities.
- If your teen works, use the opportunity to talk about expectations, responsibilities and other ways of behaving respectfully in a public setting.
- Talk with your teen and help them plan ahead for difficult or uncomfortable situations. Discuss what they can do if they are in a group and someone is using drugs, is under pressure to have sex or is offered a ride by someone who has been drinking.
Graduated Driver License Program
If they have held a Learner Permit for 180 days and have verified driving experience, your 16-year-old is eligible to apply for an Intermediate Restricted License under the Graduated Driver License Program with your permission. Several restrictions are in place to keep your teen safe while they earn experience on the road. Learn more about the Graduated Driver License Program, what is required to receive an Intermediate Restricted License, and the safety regulations for teen drivers here.
School Success
To see what to expect from high school English language arts and to learn how you can support your child’s school success, visit PTA.org.
To see what to expect from high school math and to learn how you can support your child’s school success, visit PTA.org.
Entering the Workforce
There are no limitations on the number of hours that 16- and 17-year-old minors can work. However, they cannot be required to work during school hours, nor can they work past 10 p.m. on nights preceding school days (Sunday through Thursday nights), unless their parent or guardian signs a Parental Consent Form. The Parental Consent Form would allow them to work no later than midnight three of those nights while school is in session.
Talk to Your Teen About Higher Education
Begin a conversation with your teen about their future, and how higher education can help them achieve their goals. A college education is within reach for all Tennessee teens, thanks to Tennessee Promise, a program that Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam launched and then signed into law to give high school graduates in the state the opportunity to attend a two-year community or technical college free of tuition and fees.
Tennessee Promise is both a scholarship and mentoring program, and will go into effect beginning with the high school graduating class of 2015. Learn more about Tennessee Promise and how to apply here.
Help Your Teen Plan for College
Your teen will be preparing for the SAT or ACT college entrance exams. The National PTA says that at the beginning of the school year, you should sit down with your child’s teachers and counselors. Discuss your child’s goals for life after graduation and create a plan to help your child reach them. Review it at the end of each school year to make sure your child is on track. Here are more tips from the PTA:
- Discussan appropriate course sequence to meet your child’s goals. For example, if your child wants to study biosciences in college, they will likely need additional or advanced math and science courses in high school to be prepared for college-level coursework.
- Talk about the most appropriate extracurricular activities for your child. For example, if your child is interested in journalism or photography, encourage them to sign up for the school newspaper or yearbook.
- Look for other ways you can help your teen prepare. For example, if your child is interested in a particular field, look to see if internships exist to build their work experience in that subject area. Look for college fairs to attend, and encourage your child to visit colleges they might be interested in.
- Find ways to pay for college or advanced training. College can be expensive, but there are lots of ways to get financial help, such as scholarships, grants, work-study programs and student loans. You just need to make the time for you and your child to do the research. You can start by helping your child fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) during their senior year. Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov for help and more information on FAFSA and financial aid.