Hi there!
My DD is trying her best to stay on top of academics and sports, but is right now being inundated with exams, IB tests, final papers etc. It seems like the pressure - and amount of work - just ramped up recently. She is grumpier than usual and is carving out time to see friends, but seems dejected because the work seems never ending. She is pretty diligent about getting sleep and is doing all the right things but I feel a bit helpless as I see how stressed she is. The light at the end of the tunnel is still pretty dim…
Would love to hear from parents: what did you do to support your students and help them make it across the finish line their junior year? Words of wisdom, advice, treats or special things that you did that seemed to bring them joy?
And for students: what did your parents do to support you that was helpful, or what do you wish they had done more of? And any advice on how you made it through?
Thanks in advance!
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In some way, my kid’s junior year exhaustion was saved by the Covid bell. They said, after a week of sleeping 12 hours/night when school closed, “I had no idea how sleep-deprived I was!”
First of all, acknowledge how very tough it is for her right now, and tell her that it will all be over in a month or two, and then she can relax. Cook her favorite foods. Tolerate all grumpiness. Pack her the food and beverage that she will need in her busy schedule, and hand it to her on her way out the door. If she’s not driving yet, maybe drive her to school rather than bus, if you can, to let her sleep a few more minutes. Tell her how proud you are for the way she’s handling it all (even if she’s snapping at you).
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Similar conversation happening on Parents of HS Class of 2025 thread - I tell S25 that he’s in the home stretch, and then do what I can to make him laugh as much as possible, sleep as much as possible and vent as much as possible. Sometimes they just need to tell you (every hour) how much it sucks right now.
They are beat, but in the grand scheme of things they’ve got it good - lots going on in the world, sometimes that perspective helps.
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Such great advice - thank you!
Such great perspective and words of advice! And I will check out the parents thread - hadn’t though of doing that thanks!
Junior year was unbelievably stressful. One thing I did when my kids entered high school was encourage them to take mental health days. Two days off per semester for self-care. That can be sleeping all day, taking a hike, getting bubble tea with friends—whatever. And we never discussed grades unless they brought it up.
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@parentologist great advice as always.
Sometimes let your kids vent without offering advice. Be supportive. Make sure their well hydrated. I always had very cold water and a snack (fruit) waiting for my kids after practice if I picked them up. It helps to get the blood sugar up and get them out of that dark mood they can be in. Plus she is probably hungry.
Also ask if there is anything you can help with. No, your not doing their papers or homework but sometimes they are so stressed things that seem so simple can through them into stress ville. Simple things like bringing up their back pack that they left downstairs or maybe as they study can you copy this for them etc. I would quiz my daughter on certain things when she asked.
But remind them the day before to take a deep breath and tell themselves they got this. There are studies on this actually going into tests with a positive attitude. I think everyone mentioned sleep 
… Lol. So important
We also allowed our kids mental health days all through high school. We didn’t put a limit on it. Neither kid abused it. Sometimes just knowing they could sleep in and spend a day getting homework done or studying for some tests is so worth fit
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I just did this! And she was pleasantly surprised and was like oh thanks! So thank you for the idea - it’s the little things I think, that make them feel seen and that someone has their back. 
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I have tons of them… Lol glad it worked out. We used to put like cut up vegetables and such and place them on the table they studied on even if in their bedrooms. It all got eaten or whatever works for your kids. Also if picking up from practice and you know they have to study when they get home and don’t have time for family dinner. Subway subs in the car does the trick. Lol. Also, just simply asking, “is there anything you need” can go a long way. Good luck.
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