Paulding County, GA's
premier family magazine

Educational Milestones

By Dara Hosch, MD FAAP - Cobb Pediatrics, PC

In the fall we will send our oldest son off to college. This stage of his life has come way too fast for us. It seems like yesterday that we were planning his first day of preschool. I am filled with a mixture of emotions but these feelings are now familiar. As I recall each major step along the path to his schooling, there was a certain amount of anxiety, stress and excitement. Like all parents, I want his experiences to be wonderful. I wish for him to make good friends, stay safe, do well academically and have the time of his life. Of course, I know that I can’t be there to ensure that he always makes the best choices. Therefore, it seems like a good time to review the things every student should know. 

The following advice is what I tell my children and my patients as they prepare to enter middle school, high school and college. Hopefully, these thoughts will be useful to parents as they help their own children cope with these important educational milestones.

• Friends are essential. They will be an important support system with whom you will share good and bad times. However, make certain that you choose good people to be your friends. They will have a tremendous influence upon you. If your friends skip class, use drugs or make other poor choices, you will, too. Anyone who tries to convince you to do bad things is not a true friend. Surround yourself with positive people who are headed for success and they will carry you far.
• Take advantage of extracurricular activities. It is important to balance your classroom work with music, sports and community service. Get involved. This is a great way to make friends and lower stress. Make time for fun. It is good for you.
• Don’t forget why you are there. Your education is a privilege that should not be taken for granted. Many children in the world will never get this opportunity. Do your best in everything you do. Learn as much as you can and take pride in your work. It is good preparation for the “real world.” Remember that life is not always fair and sometimes things will not go your way. However, you can learn as much from your failures as your successes (maybe more).
• Take care of yourself. Eat right, exercise and get enough rest. Allowing your body to get run down will only hamper your ability to perform. Keep your head on your shoulders and don’t do things that impair your judgment. When you feel ready to make grown up choices, be responsible. A careless decision can alter your life. When you need advice, talk to an adult. You will be surrounded by teachers, counselors and mentors who are happy to help you. 
• Talk to your family. They want to know if you are struggling or unhappy. They want to know who your friends are. But mostly, they want you to know that they will love you no matter what. Whether you need comfort or celebration, it is important to share your life with the people who care about you.

Each new step in the educational process is an opportunity to make a fresh start. These milestones should be very special. If your child is excessively worried about starting a new school or transitioning to the next step in life, see a doctor. Don’t let anxiety and fear spoil these moments. Counseling may be needed to improve coping skills and deal with extreme emotions.

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