Parent strategies for planning and prioritizing in high school

Key Takeaways

Audience Spotlight: Supporting Neurodivergent Learners in High School

High school brings new academic pressures, changing routines, and greater independence. For neurodivergent learners, including those with ADHD, autism, or specific learning differences, these transitions can be especially challenging. Many parents notice their teens struggle with time management, forget assignments, or become overwhelmed by large projects. These are common experiences, not failures. By focusing on parent strategies for planning and prioritizing in high school, you can help your teen find tools and habits that fit their unique needs and learning style. With the right support, neurodivergent learners can thrive and grow in confidence throughout high school and beyond.

Definitions

Planning is the ability to map out tasks, steps, and timelines to achieve a specific goal. Prioritization means deciding which tasks are most important so that energy goes toward what matters most. Both are core executive function skills that support academic and personal success.

Why Executive Function Skills Matter in High School

High school represents a major shift in expectations. Teens are expected to manage multiple classes, balance extracurriculars, and prepare for post-graduation plans. Executive function skills like planning and prioritization help organize these demands. When neurodivergent students lack these skills, they are at higher risk for stress, missed assignments, and low self-esteem.

Experts in child development note that executive function skills can be strengthened over time through practice and support. Many teachers and parents report that strategies such as breaking down assignments, using checklists, and setting reminders can make a real difference for students who struggle with organization.

Parent Strategies for Planning and Prioritizing in High School

If your teen regularly forgets deadlines or feels overwhelmed, you are not alone. Parent strategies for planning and prioritizing in high school can help transform these challenges into opportunities for growth. Here are some practical, research-informed steps you can try at home:

• Model planning out loud: Talk through your own routines and decisions. For example, “I need to finish making dinner before 6 PM, then help you check your homework list.” This makes abstract skills visible.
• Use visual schedules and planners: Many neurodivergent teens benefit from seeing tasks mapped out. Try paper planners, wall calendars, or digital apps. Color coding by subject or priority can also help.
• Break big tasks into smaller steps: Large projects can feel overwhelming. Work with your teen to list out individual steps, estimate how long each will take, and plan when to tackle them. This approach reduces anxiety and increases follow-through.
• Prioritize together: Sit down weekly to look at all upcoming assignments and activities. Ask your teen to rank what needs to be done first, and discuss why. This builds decision-making skills and helps them learn to advocate for their needs.
• Celebrate small wins: Every completed task is progress. Praise effort, not just results. For example, “I noticed you started your science project two days earlier this week. That is great planning!”

High School Planning and Prioritization: What Works for Neurodivergent Teens?

As students progress through 9-12, expectations around independence and self-direction increase. For neurodivergent learners, keeping up can feel like an uphill climb. Here are grade-specific tips for applying parent strategies for planning and prioritizing in high school:

• Freshman and Sophomore Years (9-10): Help your teen build routines. Review syllabi together and input all major dates into a planner. Set up weekly family check-ins to review progress and adjust plans as needed.
• Junior and Senior Years (11-12): Encourage your teen to take more ownership. Ask them to lead planning meetings and reflect on what strategies are working. Introduce tools like project trackers or shared digital calendars to coordinate deadlines for college applications, standardized tests, and extracurriculars.

Throughout high school, continue to provide structure, but step back gradually. Offer guidance and support when setbacks occur. Remind your teen that learning to plan and prioritize is a journey, not a one-time lesson.

Executive Function Challenges: How Can Parents Help?

Many parents wonder: “What should I do when my teen resists planning or gets stuck?” Resistance is normal, especially for neurodivergent teens who may feel overwhelmed or discouraged by past struggles. Here are some gentle approaches to support growth:

• Invite collaboration: Ask your teen which tools or methods feel most helpful. For example, some students prefer visual reminders, while others like checklists on their phone.
• Reduce overwhelm: When your child is stuck, help them pick just one task to start. Say, “Let us choose one thing together to focus on, then take a break.” Small steps can build momentum.
• Be flexible: If a strategy is not working, try a new approach. Remind your teen that everyone learns differently, and finding the right system takes time.
• Connect with teachers: Communicate with your child’s teachers or counselor. Ask about supports like assignment reminders, extra planning time, or access to resource rooms.

Common Mistakes and How to Move Forward

Even the most dedicated parents and teens run into roadblocks. Here are some common mistakes and how to recover:

• Doing it all for your teen: It is tempting to manage every detail, but this can prevent growth. Instead, scaffold support and gradually transfer responsibility.
• Focusing only on grades: Building planning and prioritization skills supports lifelong success, not just school performance. Celebrate process as well as outcome.
• Assuming what works for you will work for your child: Every learner is different. Partner with your teen to adapt strategies that fit their preferences and needs.

How Can I Help My Teen Organize Schoolwork and Reduce Stress?

Many parents ask, “How can I help my teen organize schoolwork without adding more pressure?” The key is to create a supportive environment where your teen feels safe to try, fail, and try again. Help teens organize schoolwork by setting up a dedicated workspace, using color-coded folders for each subject, and encouraging daily review of assignments. Keep communication open, check in about stress levels, and remind your teen that setbacks are normal and solvable. Encourage self-care routines like regular breaks, movement, and healthy sleep.

If you are looking for more ideas, K12 Tutoring offers a variety of resources on organizational skills and executive function support.

Tutoring Support

Every teen deserves to feel confident and capable in high school. At K12 Tutoring, we understand that neurodivergent learners and their families may need extra support to develop strong planning and prioritization habits. Our tutors partner with students to build executive function skills, foster resilience, and create customized strategies that fit each learner’s strengths. Whether you are searching for ongoing guidance or just a few targeted sessions, we are here to help your child grow and succeed at their own pace.

Further Reading

• 3 Steps for Teens to Master Time Management – Connecticut Children’s
• Students Speak: Organizing and Prioritizing – SMARTS
• A Guide to Executive Function – Harvard Center on the Developing Child

Trust & Transparency Statement

Last reviewed: October 2025
This article was prepared by the K12 Tutoring education team, dedicated to helping students succeed with personalized learning support and expert guidance. K12 Tutoring content is reviewed periodically by education specialists to reflect current best practices and family feedback. Have ideas or success stories to share? Email us at [email protected].