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1. I will NOT start studying the night before a test. Procrastination is one of the biggest grade-killers. Children who get into the habit of studying earlier – or tackling a school project well ahead of  its due date -- will get the higher scores they were capable of achieving all along.

2. I will NOT tune out in math class. For many students, all-important math and algebra classes are the biggest challenge. Simply paying attention can pay dividends.

3. I will NOT be afraid to raise my hand in class. This is a big one. Asking questions is a key part of learning. A teacher's answer to a single question may clarify a student's understanding of an entire lesson.

4. I will NOT play video games before I do my homework. Today's children have an almost limitless variety of electronic diversions that can lure them away from schoolwork. Students need to get into the habit of making sure that schoolwork takes precedence.

5. I will NOT miss out on reading for 20 minutes every day. Children cannot improve reading skills or develop a love of reading if they don't do it regularly. Twenty minutes per day is the bare minimum.

6. I will NOT participate in social media during every spare minute. As useful and entertaining as Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat can be, they also can be constant sources of interruption during academic tasks, both in and out of class.

7. I will NOT talk in class when I should be listening. Teachers often hear students offer the excuse, "I guess I didn't hear it." Students need to realize that the teacher's job is to instruct; the student's job is to pay attention.

8. I will NOT forget to write down my assignments. A student can't do homework he or she doesn't know about. Frantic last-minute calls to classmates for homework assignments waste time and demonstrate a lack of discipline.

9. I will NOT sit in the back of class. Sitting closer to the front of the class encourages participation and shows the teacher you're interested.

10. I will NOT forget how important school is to my future. The daily routine of school may blunt a student's perception of just how important academics are in the grand scheme of things. Children should remain aware that how well they do in school really matters.

There you have it – 10 things for students not to do in 2017.

A new school year. Parents of junior and senior high school students are barraged with information about college/post high school education. It's overwhelming. On the other hand, you have an opportunity to give the gifts of confidence and competence to your emerging adult.

Let's look at the realities: Academic and extracurricular activities are critical in this competitive application process. But for students to succeed once they get to college, they must also hone a myriad of emotional, social, and life skills. Teens develop unevenly. No matter where your son or daughter is in the continuum of maturity, parents must foster the growth of their children's independence.

It's easy to intellectualize about this but actually taking the steps can be difficult, especially if you feel that "letting go" could result in blemishes on the college resume. This may seem like a dilemma but consider the confidence, strength and resiliency high school students can develop if given the chance to manage their own lives.

How to do it?

You can serve as the watchful eye. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of this role. As the watchful eye you can observe how well your teen is functioning, what their high stress areas are, and access the resources and professional help that may be needed. Watchful needs to be differentiated from hovering/helicopter parenting or bubble wrapping. We are lucky to live in an area where there are excellent professional resources. Sometimes teens resist going for help. Do not hesitate to get a consultation for yourself about your concerns and how to best approach your teen about getting professional guidance. The issues of concern include: depression, anxiety, time management, social issues, stress management, sexual issues/identity, eating disorders, alcohol and drug use, financial literacy, and internet addiction. I often hear from parents of students who crash at college that looking back they could see the signs. You have that chance now to be there to intervene. Have a discussion with your teen about the importance of developing the coping skills for this upcoming milestone of independence.

Parents take a deep breath and encourage your teen to:

✎ Take the lead, weighing pros and cons of decisions that impact their lives and Then taking responsibility for those decisions.

✎ Manage time and responsibilities.

✎ Pursue information related to his/her life. (For example, questions about college majors, guidance counselor information, contacting the coach, musical      director.)

✎ Wake up on their own and get to first class or other commitments.

✎ Make their own appointments.