PAYOFF: Student can see the importance of being accountable for his/ her assignments and grade. Student can spend time working, not searching or cramming. Success in IB is all about time management.
Teens need nearly as much sleep as infants. Set an "in bed no later than" time. Staying up all night is NOT necessary in IB. Allow them to sleep extra on the weekends (within reason). Work on time management skills -- identify and reduce wasted time.
PAYOFF: Student will be healthier, and a less stressed out kid = happier home.
Teens will claim to be studying while watching TV, posting on Facebook, following Twitter and texting. Discuss having only one "screen" active at a time. Surreptitiously monitor (overt monitoring will lead to arguments and secrecy).
Missing class for activities such as appointments, camps, trips, etc. make it difficult for students to keep up and / or make up missing work and often leads to stress and illness.
Teachers really do want to help and appreciate students who talk TO them rather than go around them. Particularly when students have a question or miss school, a quick email or conversation can go a long way to resolve uncertainty and encourage mature handling of situations.
PAYOFF: Students will rise to meet or expectations . . . or (some) will die trying. IB and CHS (and colleges) value a balanced student. From the IB Learner Profile: "[IB Students] understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others."
IB kids frequently want to do everything. No one can do everything well, and trying to do so invariably spells collapse, so setting priorities is important. Be honest with your family - are academics the priority or are athletics? Family time or straight As? Make choices that reflect your values and don't be afraid to set limits.
PAYOFF: Happier, healthier family with less drama. Less feeling fractured and distracted.
Plagiarism or other forms of cheating can have serious consequences, from grade reduction, suspension, not getting into college or (in college) expulsion. When caught, students frequently claim they cheated in a panic over suddenly realizing they had no idea what they were supposed to be doing. Don't encourage your student to use outside resources when they feel stuck or at the last minute. Instead, encourage them to take responsibility, contact their teacher and ask for help. The outcome will always be better.
PAYOFF: Students will develop responsibility, confidence, and pride. Also, students will avoid serious problems.
While grades are important in our society, try to teach your student that if they value the learning, the grade will come. Stressing out over points and plusses and minuses is time better spent studying. Remind your student that colleges weight IB grades and that a B in an IB class is comparable to an A in a regular class.