sen·ior·i·tis
(sēn′yə-rī′tĭs)
n.
Informal
A reduction of academic focus or
worsening of academic performance characteristic of some high-school seniors,
especially after acceptance into college.
The only known cure: graduation!
CAUTION: this disease is not exclusive to seniors. It
can affect other teenagers in the form of spring fever!
What are the causes?
·
Burnout
Many students have worked very hard in high school and are
just “done”.
·
Excitement for graduation
In all the excitement of senior year, students can lose
focus on their studies and just want to enjoy all the “last”s: last games,
plays, dances, proms.
·
Fear of change
For some, there is a real fear of the unknown and change
that graduation will bring, causing teenagers to “bury their heads in the sand”
·
Parental apathy
It is not unusual for parents to feel “done”
Spoiler alert:
parents you are not “done”, you never are!
How can parents help?
·
Talk to your teen about your
expectations
Is your teen breaking your house curfew? Do you have to nag more? Is your teen telling
you what they are doing where previously they asked? Teens having trouble getting up in the
morning (more than usual)? Apparently no more homework? Plan a meeting (or go for coffee) and discuss
your concerns. Reinforce what your
expectations are. Treat your teen with
respect and honor that they are becoming a young adult.
·
Help keep teen organized with a
calendar or planner.
A wall calendar in the kitchen as well as a planner in their
bedroom with all the important dates:
Prom (and all the details that accompany that); IB/AP tests; college
tuition and housing deposits; senior award assembly; Senior reception; graduation.
Offer to help your teen with the details.
·
Help teens to think about the future
and consequences of today’s actions.
Teens have worked so hard for 4 years and yes, they feel
done. However, colleges need to see the
final grade report and that the student graduated. All colleges reserve the
right to rescind admissions offers.
Driving to the beach after the Prom is probably not a great
idea, neither is a hotel room downtown.
Offer some alternatives to keep the teens safe.
Many seniors are done early with classes and end up with
free time before graduation, which almost every year has a devastating outcome.
·
Encourage you teen to try something
new. With Rose Festival around the
corner, many high schools have teams in the Dragon Boats. Sign up to be an Outdoor School
Counselor. Organize friends for a
“service day”.
·
Encourage teen to get a part time
job.
The extra money will come in handy next year.
·
Celebrate and honor the rituals of
graduation. Many students will
participate in the school senior all night party after graduation. Host a neighborhood or family party in honor
of the grad.
·
Most of all remember (and perhaps
remind your teen) you were once there as well.
Share specific memories, this is a rite of passage!
