Author: Nia

As we enter the new year, there is always a feeling of excitement. Though it is common for most people to make a list of resolutions they’ll never keep, the chance of renewal is something many enjoy. Aside from giant life changes, 2025 has the possibility of bringing brand-new experiences, emotions, and memories. This year will bring a lot of new moments for me, as I will be going to college and moving away from my family. My New Year’s resolutions are to live this year to its fullest, to say yes to new experiences, and to keep a positive mindset throughout. It’s important for parents to note that just because we are entering a new year, their children will still be the same for the most part. We as kids sometimes feel as though there is pressure on us to somehow fix all of our issues and be better with every new year. However, the most important thing a parent can do is to let their kids know that all they should strive to do is to make each day better than the last and to make sure they are happy. Parents should tell their kids to use the next twelve months to truly get to know themselves and the things they want to accomplish. Parents should also let their kids know that they are there for whatever their kids need, because it’s a nice thing to hear from our parents. 

Although it isn’t the same for everyone, spring break approaching is very scary for high school seniors. We are excited, don’t get me wrong. No one would protest having a week off from school. However, with all of the projects, tests, and assignments due before we go on break, there are times when I’ve wished that the break wouldn’t come so fast. One of the biggest problems teenagers have with their parents is that adults tend to believe that we do not have much in our lives to stress about. It is true that we are not stressing about the things our parents get stressed about, such as paying bills and taking care of us. However, we do feel pressure from our teachers, parents, and ourselves to perform at our best and maintain good grades in school. As I am in the IB program, it is much easier for my work to stress me out, considering there is so much of it all at once. It makes teenagers feel better when parents can sympathize with us instead of making it seem like it’s a competition of who has the most stress—and we’re losing. Here are some tips for parents to help their teenagers: ask your kids if they need any help with their work, do a face mask with them, make their favorite meal, run them a bath, or do whatever you can to help ease some of the tension school can bring. Remind them that their grades aren’t the end of the world as long as they are trying their hardest; but understand that if they hold themselves to a higher standard, they will still worry. The best thing is to help them still have some wonderful moments while the weeks before break come and bring a lot of work. It means a lot to us to be able to rely on our parents to see our struggles and do little things for us. We appreciate and love our parents, even if we don’t always show it.