Do you know who your child’s counselor is? Does your child know? Now is the time to get acquainted with this person who can help you and your child make it to graduation.  You want to make sure that he or she remembers your child—for the right reasons. 

Schedule an Appointment

Call the school to find out the name of your child’s counselor and schedule an appointment. You don’t have to have a specific problem to solve, but in order to get the most out of your meeting, try to keep focused on a single topic. Here are some ideas:

  • Getting to know you. Share your hopes and dreams for your child. Tell the counselor about her interests, activities, and jobs so the counselor can begin to create a picture of your child. Let the counselor know your child’s academic strengths and weaknesses, and ask advice about the best courses for him.
  • Show me the money. If you’re unsure how to pay for college, the high school counselor can provide information about high school scholarships, grants, awards, and financial aid for school. They may even be able to walk you through the forms that you and your child will need to complete.
  • So many choices. Your child’s counselor has information about hundreds of colleges. Ask which colleges might be a good fit for college student financial aid. The counselor should be able to let you know about college fairs in your area, when college admissions representatives will visit your child’s school, and even FAFSA student loans.
  • On the right track. If your child is excelling in school, inquire about advanced classes, programs, and extracurricular opportunities to keep her challenged. If your child is struggling, ask about tutors, peer assistance programs, and outside help.
  • Testing, testing. Find out what college admission and placement tests your child should be taking. The high school counselor can keep you informed about test dates, locations, costs, and can help you interpret test scores.
  • Red flags. If your child or your family is going through a difficult time—divorce, illness or death in the family, unemployment, etc., be sure and let the counselor know, especially if these circumstances are affecting your child’s grades.

Keep in Touch

Even if you only have one formal face-to-face meeting with the counselor, be sure that she knows you are out there, active and concerned about your child’s school progress. How?

  • Say “hello” when you see the counselor at school functions like open houses, parent-teacher conferences, school plays and concerts, athletic events, and award ceremonies. Don’t discuss your child’s academic situation, just be friendly and visible.
  • Attend school-sponsored workshops and parent meetings related to course selection, graduation requirements, and college planning. You might be surprised how few parents attend these events. Your presence there will show how committed you are to your child’s educational success.
  • Call or email with questions. Most counselors will reply to phone and email messages from parents. This respects their time and yours.