As the calendar flips to September, the phrase ‘back to school‘ takes center stage. It’s a time when backpacks are readied, pencils are sharpened, and classrooms come back to life. For many, it’s a familiar rhythm, an annual return to the world of lockers and textbooks. But amid this whirlwind of activity, there’s a crucial element often overlooked—the voices of the teenagers embarking on this educational journey. Their perspectives, their hopes, and their fears matter more than we might realize.

In this article, we’ll delve into the thoughts and emotions of today’s teenagers as they gear up for the academic year. It’s a conversation that parents should be tuned into, a chance to gain insights that can shape the support and guidance we offer during this critical phase of their lives. So, let’s listen closely as we explore ‘back to school’ through the eyes and hearts of our adolescents.

To gain some perspective, I sat down with a few teenagers and posed a simple question: “When you hear the term ‘back to school,’ what’s the first thing that comes to mind or makes you feel?”

The responses from every teen I talked to were variations of the following three themes:

1. Excitement to Reunite with Friends: The prospect of reuniting with friends after the break was a common source of excitement.
2. Dread of Early Mornings: The return of early morning routines was met with a sense of apprehension.
3. Anxiety about Homework: Many teenagers expressed anxiety about the impending homework load.

One Grade 10 student shed light on how ‘back to school’ had evolved for her since entering high school. In the past, September re-entry at elementary school was gradual, making it less daunting. The curriculum took a week to kick in. However, as a high schooler, she described the experience as pretty dreadful, with significant homework already looming on the first day.

Another teenager, now entering Grade 12, discussed how getting older changes the perspective on going back to school. With maturity, she has come to appreciate spending time at school with friends, as jobs and other responsibilities make it harder to see each other during the summer. Her appreciation for learning and school has grown over the years.

This summer, Vox highlighted a study revealing a surprising statistic: starting at age 25, I tend to lose more friends than I gain each year. Friendships hold immense value for young people, and the importance of social connections cannot be overstated. As an adult, I could learn from teenagers about prioritizing and nurturing these relationships.

When I asked teenagers about the challenges of getting older and nearing high school graduation, they described it as a stressful time. Making decisions about post-secondary education was particularly daunting. They disliked the constant inquiry, ‘What are you doing after high school?’ The pressure to suddenly chart out their lives was overwhelming. One young man put it eloquently: “I hate being asked about life after graduation because it feels like my life as a young person doesn’t count. The only thing that seems to matter is what I do after high school.”

All the teenagers I spoke with shared a similar mixed response to growing older and progressing through high school. They relished the growing sense of control over their time, choice of courses, and finances, but they also felt the mounting pressures and responsibilities of reality.

From birth, young children have minimal autonomy and depend on others for their needs. Independence evolves gradually through childhood, especially in a culture where adult perspectives often dominate. Hence, teenagers eagerly anticipate taking charge of their lives and making their own decisions.

It’s crucial to remember that school doesn’t automatically equate to learning, knowledge, or wisdom. So, as parents, how can I recognize and appreciate the learning that occurs during the summer when school is not in session? How can I acknowledge the growth and discoveries my teenagers make?

I risk losing sight of the true essence of knowledge when success in school merely translates to more school. For teens attending conventional schools, it can be challenging to feel connected to meaningful pursuits or that they’re making a difference in the world. As a parent, let’s encourage and celebrate their non-academic interests and achievements. There are myriad forms of intelligence, and every one of them holds immense value.