When it is time for most children to enter high school, they are excited but also fearful. This can be a great four years for some and not so great for others. If your child is struggling through high school, below are some tips to help them get through it.

Listen To Your Child

Most children complain about school, and most of the time it is only because they don't like it. If your teen continually complains, however, you may want to look into things. In some cases, these complaints are for a reason.

Talk to your child about what is bothering him or her, and do not put it off as something they are just going through. If they are complaining about friends, it may be much more than just not getting along. They may have friends who have turned to drugs and alcohol and are trying to get your child to join in. He or she may not come right out and tell you this, so make sure you dig a little deeper.

Watch the Signs

According to a 2014 report from the National Institute of Drug Abuse, 27.2 percent of high school students do some form of illicit drug abuse throughout their high school years. This number has decreased since its peak in 1997, but it is still a problem.

You need to keep on top of everything before your teen gets caught up into that world. If you even think he or she is doing drugs, you should do something about it. In many cases, when a parent has this feeling it is because something is really going on. Some signs you should be watching out for include:

• Grades falling
• Mood changes
• Hanging out with different friends
• Different eating habits
• Not wanting to spend time with family

These symptoms do not always mean your child is doing drugs. They may be due to the stress of high school and peer pressure.  Still, you do not need to take a chance and do nothing. He or she is likely not going to tell you and will probably deny it.

Take your child to the doctor to have a drug test done. If the test comes out positive, get your child some substance abuse counseling now before things escalate into a much larger problem.

Stay Involved

You should stay involved and show an interest in your child's life. When they get home from school, ask how his or her day was. Do not let your child simply say, "It was okay," but ask them specific questions about their classes, friends, and extracurricular activities. 

You should always ask your child about any homework they have, and do not assume they have it done. Ask to look at their homework, and ask again later in the night if they have everything done. Most high schools today let parents log into their system to check their child's grades. Ask your child's high school if they offer this. If so, set yourself up in the system so you can keep an eye on things.

Following these tips can help you get your child through the last years of school, and better prepare them for the college years ahead.