The teen years can be challenging, so you may be looking at different ways you can help and support your child during this period of life. You may be interested in having your child attend a religious private school or adding religious classes as electives to help them find a community with similar values. Here are just three benefits of a religious high school program.
They Help Your Teen Reduce Risk-Taking Behaviors
High school can be a difficult time for teens because of peer pressure and hazing practices. Teens are experimenting with increased independence—which can be a great thing—but they may want to experiment with risk-taking behaviors because of fear of missing out (FOMO). However, the Religious Education journal found that religious education had a positive impact on reducing violence/weapons possession, binge drinking, and poor driving. Students were also less likely to underachieve in their studies.
They Help Your Teen Have a Sense of Community
Many teens can feel anxious, depressed, and isolated during high school. A sense of belonging is important to people's mental health, and that need can be found through clubs, sports, church activities, etc. In the Annals of Behavioral Medicine, researchers found that community-based populations had a protective effect on their members' health. People who had regular religious attendance in some form had improved mental health and physical health. Social relationships were also markedly improved. Although school attendance will be different from Sunday worship, your child may find a sense of community in a curriculum that's rooted in their belief system. For instance, classes may start with a prayer or daily devotional to help students to take a moment to fill their spiritual cup for the day.
They Help Your Teen Cope with Stressful Situations
Some teens struggle with mental resiliency, or the ability to cope with stressful situations. Religious observances can help people cope with disappointments, tragedy, illness, etc. One study found that individuals who used religion to cope were able to achieve a "big picture" perspective and could find more understanding in their difficult circumstances. Although the study's focus was on women struggling with fertility, the researchers found that people who use religious coping could more effectively handle their situations since they felt like they could lay some of their burdens down to a higher power. As your teen navigates high school, they may find additional comfort in a curriculum that supports their belief system.
Contact private high schools in your area such as First Presbyterian Academy Inc for more details on their curriculums.
Share13 June 2022
Are you preparing to send your toddler off to his or her very first year of school? Letting go of your little one enough to send him or her off to preschool can be a big step. Finding the right preschool, learning how to prepare your toddler, and preparing yourself for that very first day are all important steps to ensuring a great start to your child's education. On my site, you will find advice on all of the above. You will learn what you can do to prepare to let go, how to prepare your toddler to let go and a few of the things that will help your toddler be prepared for his or her first day at school.
