OP: how many AP classes is your sophomore taking? Perhaps they took on too much and can course correct for next year? Most top students at our HS take at most one or two Freshman and Sophomore years, ramping up to 4-5 junior and senior year.

And I don't think there's one answer to your question, as different kids handle things differently. Some are more efficient than others, while others might have figured out how to do the minimum amount needed to get their work done. And some definitely take on too much outside of classes, whether because they are interested in all of it or because they think it's necessary to get into college. Use school resources, such as various honors clubs' free tutoring and any after school help provided by teachers if that would address the issue. Or look for some study skills tutorials or classes if that is it.

My advice, having on already at a T15 school and another applying this year, is that it is never worth sacrificing one's childhood or teen years merely for the sake of pursuing a lottery ticket that you likely could have purchased anyway by better focussing your attention on things and people you care about. If they are already overstressed sophomore year, then junior year, by far the most challenging for both of mine and, from what I can tell, their friends, will be a nightmare.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We aren’t in MCPS, but my kid is under a ton of stress. I cope by not taking on any of their stress. I also try to help when possible - I’ll make my daughter’s lunch, I’ll run errands for her, I’ll make sure the fridge is stocked. There are so many administrative tasks that are time consuming that take away time from more important things.

I also encourage her to have fun. They’re in high school and friends are extremely important to their well being. So I make sure my kid is having lots of friend time.
Good luck!

Parents who don't acknowledge this or say parents who do this are "helicopter" parents really have no clue how much goes into a student's day.

Seriously… most of us who say this have been there done that in terms of managing a full HS course load plus extracurriculars. Also did college and potentially some type of graduate/professional schools. Sometimes with kids.

Part of the goal of HS is learning time management and work/life balance. Sometimes that balance gets out of whack and you have to bring it back inline.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We aren’t in MCPS, but my kid is under a ton of stress. I cope by not taking on any of their stress. I also try to help when possible - I’ll make my daughter’s lunch, I’ll run errands for her, I’ll make sure the fridge is stocked. There are so many administrative tasks that are time consuming that take away time from more important things.

I also encourage her to have fun. They’re in high school and friends are extremely important to their well being. So I make sure my kid is having lots of friend time.
Good luck!

I do all these things and it doesn’t help. I cook, do laundry, clean the room, make the lunch during the school year only. Do all the admin stuff too. There is very little friend time.

You MUST make sure your kid is planning this. Socialize at lunch or if open lunch meet even just one friend at outside venue for lunch, or at a school club. some students hang out in bathroom to chat and catch up without nosy adults around. Or on weekend for few hours even the most shy kid needs this - take a chance and ask a classmate if no friend(s).

Anonymous wrote:We aren’t in MCPS, but my kid is under a ton of stress. I cope by not taking on any of their stress. I also try to help when possible - I’ll make my daughter’s lunch, I’ll run errands for her, I’ll make sure the fridge is stocked. There are so many administrative tasks that are time consuming that take away time from more important things.

I also encourage her to have fun. They’re in high school and friends are extremely important to their well being. So I make sure my kid is having lots of friend time.
Good luck!

Parents who don't acknowledge this or say parents who do this are "helicopter" parents really have no clue how much goes into a student's day.

Anonymous wrote:We aren’t in MCPS, but my kid is under a ton of stress. I cope by not taking on any of their stress. I also try to help when possible - I’ll make my daughter’s lunch, I’ll run errands for her, I’ll make sure the fridge is stocked. There are so many administrative tasks that are time consuming that take away time from more important things.

I also encourage her to have fun. They’re in high school and friends are extremely important to their well being. So I make sure my kid is having lots of friend time.
Good luck!

I do all these things and it doesn’t help. I cook, do laundry, clean the room, make the lunch during the school year only. Do all the admin stuff too. There is very little friend time.

Barely hanging on. Two tutors, don’t make it to some activities all the time. Little time for social things. It sucks.

We aren’t in MCPS, but my kid is under a ton of stress. I cope by not taking on any of their stress. I also try to help when possible - I’ll make my daughter’s lunch, I’ll run errands for her, I’ll make sure the fridge is stocked. There are so many administrative tasks that are time consuming that take away time from more important things.

I also encourage her to have fun. They’re in high school and friends are extremely important to their well being. So I make sure my kid is having lots of friend time.
Good luck!

Cutting back, either on APs or on activities or a little of both.

Anonymous wrote:How did you all parents and kids do it?
with AP classes, and tough courses including Pre Calc. and then activities.

How?? The stress as a parent to see my child struggle so much is getting to me ... My DS works very hard but it has been a tough year.

Take 1 less AP, go to school every day and see the teachers for your hardest class once a week.

Depend on the kid, older DD was able to handle all with ease. DD2 has ADHD, we cut way down on AP and activities for her. you should cut back if your kid is struggling

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How did you all parents and kids do it?
with AP classes, and tough courses including Pre Calc. and then activities.

How?? The stress as a parent to see my child struggle so much is getting to me ... My DS works very hard but it has been a tough year.

What is the stress for you? If anything I try to be sure my kids learn how to manage their time and stress.

OP- yes, I'm trying to do the same. However, with so many quizzes and tests and activities, it is hard to manage everything. with work and helping them with their stress and manage everything.

Anonymous wrote:How did you all parents and kids do it?
with AP classes, and tough courses including Pre Calc. and then activities.

How?? The stress as a parent to see my child struggle so much is getting to me ... My DS works very hard but it has been a tough year.

What is the stress for you? If anything I try to be sure my kids learn how to manage their time and stress.

Anonymous wrote:Alcohol. I drink more as a parent than I ever did in college.

Alcohol. I drink more as a parent than I ever did in college.

How did you all parents and kids do it?
with AP classes, and tough courses including Pre Calc. and then activities.

How?? The stress as a parent to see my child struggle so much is getting to me ... My DS works very hard but it has been a tough year.