If you have a child that just started high school – it might be harder than you think...

Teens aren’t always the chattiest bunch around their parents...

Starting high school can be a big transition – and if you’re getting “fine” or “nothing” when you ask about their day, here are a few things that are different for them:

• More kids. There could be up to four times as many kids than their used to – most of whom will be absolute strangers – and it’s easy to feel lost in the shuffle.

• Larger classes. The student to teacher ratio will most likely be higher. Expectations are higher and class might feel a little less personal at first.

• Heavier workload. They were warned about it in 8th grade – and more work on top of the new environment can be tough, especially in the first few months.

• New high schoolers just went from being the big kahunas to the bottom of the ladder. It can be hard to be the new kid in town at any age.

• Peer pressure. There’s just no avoiding it for most kids – and it can be terrifying for parents and students alike. Just remember it’s not all bad. It’s really important to get high school freshman involved in something – anything – to increase the odds of some positive peer pressure and give them a healthier sense of position and belonging.