From Puppy Dog Eyes to Driver's Permits: Parenting High Schoolers (Vet Edition)
Remember when your biggest worry was your kid drinking from the dog bowl or potty training? Now you’re navigating college applications, curfews, and the ever-present anxiety of teenage driving. Yes, friends, we’ve entered the exciting, terrifying, and often bewildering world of parenting high schoolers.
Suddenly, those moody middle schoolers have morphed into young adults, grappling with complex emotions, social pressures, and the looming question of “what comes next?” As vet parents, we might feel a bit like we’re trying to herd cats – each with their own unique personality, challenges, and aspirations. But fear not, our experiences in the animal kingdom have prepared us for this wild ride.
The High School Habitat: A Unique Ecosystem
High school is a complex ecosystem, filled with shifting alliances, academic pressures, and the constant buzz of social media. It’s a time of intense self-discovery, where our teens are trying to figure out who they are, where they fit in, and what they want to do with their lives. As vet parents, we have a unique advantage in understanding this dynamic. We’re used to observing behavior, recognizing subtle cues, and adapting our approach to different personalities. Just as we learn to read the body language of a nervous dog or an agitated cat, we can tune in to our teenager’s emotional state, even when they’re trying their best to maintain that “cool and aloof” facade.
Vet Skills for the Win
Our veterinary experience equips us with a valuable set of skills that translate surprisingly well to parenting high schoolers:
- Communication is Key: Just as we maintain open and honest communication with clients about their pet’s health, we need to do the same with our teenagers. Active listening, empathy, and a willingness to engage in difficult conversations is crucial.
- Respecting Boundaries: While we need to set clear expectations and boundaries, it’s equally important to respect our teenager’s growing independence and autonomy. Think of it like giving a young horse the space to safely explore while still providing guidance and support.
- Problem-Solving Prowess: From diagnosing illnesses to managing complex medical cases, vets are expert problem-solvers. We can apply these same skills to help our teenagers navigate challenges, whether it’s a conflict with a friend, academic struggles, or decisions about their future.
- Empathy in Action: As vets, we witness the full spectrum of emotions, from joy and relief to sadness and grief. This allows us to empathize with our teenager’s emotional rollercoaster, offering support and understanding during both triumphs and setbacks.
Using Tech to Your Advantage
High school isn’t about rescuing your teen from every crisis; it’s about providing a steady, informed presence as they navigate complex decisions. That’s why the time we gain through efficient clinic technology becomes so vital. It’s not just about being physically present, but about being mentally available to engage in meaningful conversations.
Just as Shepherd streamlines our workflow, helping us manage intricate patient cases,, it also frees up mental bandwidth for the intricate cases of high school life. We’re not just saving minutes in the exam room; we’re saving the mental space needed to discuss college applications, the weight of social
pressures, or even the subtle shifts in their independence. It’s about transitioning from ‘parent as rescuer’ to ‘parent as informed guide.’ The efficiency we gain in the clinic translates to a higher quality of engagement at home, allowing us to be a reliable sounding board as our high schoolers prepare to launch their own futures.
The Journey Continues
Parenting high schoolers is an adventure filled with twists, turns, and unexpected detours. But with patience, communication, and a healthy dose of humor, we can navigate this exciting chapter alongside our teens. And who knows, maybe one day they’ll even admit that we weren’t always totally embarrassing. (Okay, maybe we can dream.
About the Author
Lauren Jones, VMD, is a veterinarian, practice owner, and industry innovator, and the Director of Veterinary Medicine at Shepherd Veterinary Solutions. A proud University of Pennsylvania graduate, she’s spent her career helping veterinary teams work smarter, not harder. Dr. Jones blends clinical know-how with business savvy to empower veterinarians, streamline operations, and fight burnout. She’s passionate about making technology work for vets, not the other way around, helping practices thrive while delivering top-notch patient care.
