September 2026
Recently, I’ve had conversations with students on Wednesday nights, and one thing has become very clear – high school is hard. Whether your student attends public school, Christian school, or is homeschooled, school can be a challenge. And sometimes the hardest things students face have nothing to do with math, English, or science. They’re navigating friendships, expectations, comparison, pressure, identity, social media, loneliness, and the desire to fit in—all while trying to figure out who they are and where they belong.
As parents, we may not always be able to remove those struggles, but we can learn to notice them. Pay attention to significant changes in attitude, withdrawal, unusual irritability, declining interest in things they normally enjoy, fear of failure, or an increasing reluctance to talk about what is happening at school. Friendship problems can also hit much harder than we sometimes realize. What seems like “teenage drama” to us can feel enormous to them. James 1:19 reminds us to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” Before jumping into fix-it mode, try asking, “What's been hard lately?” Sometimes our kids don't need a solution as much as they need to know someone is willing to listen.
We should also watch for a student whose identity is becoming wrapped up in grades, popularity, appearance, athletics, or social media. Students can easily begin believing that their worth is something they have to earn. But Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” Their value doesn't come from a report card or a number of followers. And spiritually, don't ignore signs of growing apathy or a desire to hide their faith. Instead of panicking when students have questions or doubts, create a home where they know they can talk honestly. Jude 22 says, “And have mercy on those who doubt.” Our students don't need parents who are afraid of their questions; they need parents who will help them bring those questions into the light and pursue truth.
Most importantly, keep pointing them to Jesus. Remind them that their identity is in Christ, that God is with them, and that they don't have to navigate school—or life—alone. And model that faith for them. Let them see you pray when you're worried, open your Bible when life is difficult, apologize when you're wrong, and trust God when you don't have all the answers. School will change. Friendships will change. Feelings will change. The culture will change. Jesus doesn't. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” We don't have to be perfect parents; we simply need to be faithful ones—listening, loving, praying, paying attention, and continually pointing our students toward Christ wherever God has placed them.
Blessings,
Joe Newton | Pastor of High School | Hessel Church | joe@hessel.org
