It’s a busy season, and there is much to be done. When our children are small, the key to busy seasons is simplification. Ultimately, we just have to choose what is necessary and what is an optional preference. During the holiday season, for instance, with littles underfoot we might not get to do all of the baking and crafts and decorating we enjoy. It might not be a great year to serve Thanksgiving dinner in a food kitchen. Busy seasons that are not calendar-related offer the same restrictions. With a new baby in the house, a long-term illness dragging us down, an extended family member needing care, or a high-travel season around the corner, we have to choose what to give up and what to keep.

The best part of watching our kids grow, though, is the realization that what was necessary last year might change this year. This is especially true with high schoolers in the house!

When you reach the high school stage of home schooling, busy seasons take on a whole new meaning. Instead of being limiting, they are seasons of opportunity, both for you and for your high schooler. This is a chance for you to lean on your teen for help while also allowing him to show responsibility, develop skills in many areas, and grow in his own journey toward adulthood.

What does that look like practically? Here are a few ideas:

• Give your high schooler a day off school to help tackle your errand list. She can make a grocery run, get packages in the mail, or tackle other shopping while you teach the younger children. During the holiday season, she can even hide out and wrap gifts for you.
• The opposite plan works, too. Leave the lesson plans for younger children with your teen! He can either teach or simply be a guiding presence as needed while you run errands, wrap gifts, or get some baking done.
• Does your teen know what goes into creating a menu plan or hosting a holiday party? Doing either one can even be counted as a major project for a home economics or health course grade. Offer guidance and instruction, but let your high schooler work through the planning while you tackle other responsibilities.
• Don’t forget that you can divide and conquer. Keep up with school and the big to-do list during busy seasons by sharing the list with your teen. Work together during the earlier years of high school so you can be available to answer questions or teach your teen new tasks and responsibilities. But, as she grows older, show your confidence in her by splitting up the list.

Progressing from young children to teenagers can be a challenge when you’re used to having to do it all yourself. But, sharing responsibility with your high schooler during busy seasons is a great way for both of you to grow into this new stage of life, adjust to the changes in your relationship with one another, and establish a new level of trust.

Before you can make adjustments to tackle a busy season, you need to have a solid schedule, a workable plan, and a good organizational system in place. Take our Planner Personality Quiz to discover your planner personality type and learn ways to schedule, plan, and organize well.