Their story:

Many teens are uncomfortable making the transition from primary school to high school. They are told gruesome stories about the hectic workload, teachers being mean and senior students bullying them.

Your role: Though some of this might be true, teach them to look at life from an optimistic standpoint. Let them know that they will be in a different environment, which comes with advantages and disadvantages. It's a phase that we must all confront and overcome for us to move to the next level.

Their story: All high schools are a reflection of our society; there are honest people, thieves, con artists, and so on. Perhaps, in primary school, your children could afford to be naive to certain situations.

Your role: It's your duty to prepare your children for the wider society, emphasise that they need to be careful with their belongings. Whether it is their money, cell- phone or school bag, they need to be cognisant of the fact that there are some students who will always try to prey on them. Teach them how not to attract these hunters. For example, show them how to manage their money in a discreet manner when in public.

Their story: Everywhere you go in life there exist danger zones. These are places notorious for bad things, such as stealing, killing or drug use. Sad to say, these danger zones exist at the high-school level as well.

Your role: You must first accept the fact that this is a reality, not because the high school is bad, but because our students are a reflection of the adults they are around. Help your child to identify these places. They are usually occupied by time wasters, bullies and students who like to skip classes, among others. If they have to pass these zones to get to another class, let them know that they must not do so alone.

Their story: Many of the friendships that they developed in primary school would have dissolved by the first year of high school. Unless they and their friends all passed for the same high school, everybody usually goes to a different environment. Thus, your children are presumably in pursuit of new friends.

Your role: Let them know what are the characteristics of a good friend. The best way to teach this is to use yourself as an example; let them understand the reasons behind who you choose to socialise with, and why. Please note that if you choose your friends frivolously, such as based on their skin, complexion or wealth, your children are sure to follow suit.

Their story: High school teachers are not the same as primary school teachers. They do not have one set of students for the entire day, and hence that parent-child bond won't exist between them and every student. Your children will have a different teacher for every subject they do, therefore, their relationship with teachers will vary.

Your role: Teachers are humans with emotions, and favouritism does exist in their minds. Don't teach your children to 'suck up' to every teacher. Teach them how to be responsible and assertive students. Teachers love students who are responsible, they are the ones who will take the afternoon register when the teacher isn't there, and carry it to the staffroom.