Being Your Child’s High School Counselor

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As my oldest daughter was approaching high school, I was nervous about the prospect of homeschooling through high school. Teaching trigonometry and chemistry caused me some apprehension, but being her high school counselor brought me tremendous trepidation. The thought of having to help her choose her classes, get her ready for standardized testing, and help her with college decisions was overwhelming.

She has now started her junior year in high school. While she is only halfway through, I now have a sense of peace about being her high school counselor. I have realized that, as with most things custom tailored to an individual, I can actually do it better than most institutions would.

It was fairly easy to search college websites to find out what classes they require and to search our state’s department of education website to for any other requirements. Those classes, along with a few I think are important, became her required classes. I have let her interests determine her electives. It is also helpful to search a big high school’s course catalog online to get ideas about possible electives.

The standardized testing isn’t as complicated as I first thought either. You can register for the tests online and there are many test prep books out there. In fact, my daughter is taking a practice test in her room right now.

I know that there are many caring counselors out there. But the fact remains that no one cares about your child like your family. Who better to help your child prepare for his or her adult life, wherever that may lead than your family. So, don’t be afraid to jump right in there and be your child’s counselor. You will probably be the best counselor possible for him or her. I’m so glad I am comfortable with the job because now I have a freshman this year also!