Let’s face it—parenting a teenager can feel a bit like navigating an emotional rollercoaster while juggling flaming torches. Caught somewhere between childhood and adulthood, high schoolers are passing through transformative years for building positive habits and a solid personal identity. While we might hope that good grades will solve all their future problems, it’s soft skills that will make them stand out post-graduation in college, the workplace, and other personal pursuits.

Here are five soft skills your high schooler really needs to master before they think they’ve got it all figured out (spoiler alert: they don’t).

1. The Art of Effective Communication

Sure, your teen might prefer emojis over sentences, but effective communication is about so much more than sending the perfect GIF. Whether it’s negotiating a group project, compromising on an activity with a friend, or someday impressing a future boss, knowing how to express themselves clearly- with facial expressions to match and listen to others is crucial. 

How You Can Help:

-Let them handle tricky conversations (like that call to reschedule the dentist).

-Share stories highlighting how you used communication in work or personal situations.

-Refrain from talking for your teen at events or the doctor’s office. Communication practice in real-life settings is important.

2. Time Management (Because “I Forgot” Won’t Work in College)

If you’ve ever heard, “I’ll get to it later,” you know teenagers and time management have a complicated relationship. But learning how to organize and prioritize tasks; stay on top of deadlines; and juggle school, sports, and a part-time job is a skill that will save them from the dreaded all-nighter in college or being passed up for a career opportunity or promotion.

How You Can Help:

-Teach your teen how to use to-do lists and calendars—both digital and paper systems.

-Let them face the consequences of procrastination. This suggestion is hard, but it’s better for your child to learn through early life experiences rather than struggle at an older age to make the connection between putting off important items and consequences.

-Share your own time-saving hacks with your teen.  

3. Problem-Solving 

From math homework to figuring out why their Wi-Fi keeps cutting out, problem-solving is one of the most valuable skills a young adult can learn. Sure, they might be masters of Googling answers, but when life throws real challenges their way, they need to think critically, analyze options, and come up with solutions that Siri can’t provide.

How You Can Help:

-Let them tackle life’s more minor challenges independently (like how they will afford a night out at the movies and put gas in their car).

-Resist the urge to fix everything for them, even if it’s faster. There are lessons to be learned in the struggle.

-Encourage them to see mistakes as learning opportunities (instead of reasons to freak out). Talk openly with your teen about their mistakes without criticism. 

4. Teamwork (Even with People Who Are “So Annoying”)

Whether your teen’s future includes group projects, internships, or just being a good roommate, they’ll need to know how to work with others. They might not always like their classmates (or their siblings), but understanding how to collaborate is essential. Teamwork requires patience, empathy, and the art of compromise—skills that are hard to teach but so important for work and life success.

How You Can Help:

-Encourage group activities such as extracurricular activities and community groups.

-Praise your teen for handling disagreements without throwing in the towel (or throwing shade).

-Let them take responsibility for their role in team projects, whether they are successful or not.

5. Handling Stress (Without Dramatically Declaring It’s the End of the World)

Teenagers and stress (the occasional or frequent freak-out) tend to go hand in hand, but teaching your high schooler how to manage it can make all the difference. From college-entrance exams to social pressures, learning how to handle stress with a bit of grace (and fewer meltdowns) will set them up for success in college and life beyond. 

How You Can Help:

-Encourage healthy outlets for stress like sports, hobbies, or venting to a trusted person.

-Help them balance and evaluate their schedules so they don’t feel constantly overwhelmed.

-Model stress management techniques yourself. You may not think your teen is watching, but they are. 

Help Your Teen Thrive in High School and Beyond with Soft Skills. 

At the end of the day, high school is about so much more than GPA and test scores. With a little encouragement and a lot of patience, you can help your teen thrive in high school while also setting them up for success in their future endeavors. 

At Best in Class Education Center, we’re here to support not just academic excellence but the real-world skills your teen will need to thrive. Contact us today to learn more about our academic enrichment, tutoring, and test-prep programs that help develop well-rounded, confident students!