Middle School Transition

Helpful Tips for Parents

Although your middle schooler is becoming more independent and is increasingly involved in activities outside the family, you should and must remain the most influential person in his life. Through your involvement in school and extracurriculars, you can do much to help your child believe in the value and importance of education, be enthusiastic about learning, and achieve academic success.

1. Help your child manage homework time. Encourage her to aim high and always do her best work. Check with teachers to see how much time should be necessary to complete homework.

2. Show interest in your child's studies by talking with him daily about what he's learning and doing in school(don't take "nothing" for an answer!).

3. Discuss ideas and feelings about school, studies, and activities. Be realistic about what your child can and should be able to do.

4. Read and review with your child the information that schools and districts provide. Be familiar with the pupil progression plan, course offerings, student handbook, etc.

5. Communicate with counselors, administrators, and teachers. Find out what your child should be learning, how she is progressing, and how you can help. Be a full partner in your child's education.

6. Be sure that he attends school on a regular basis. Even if he is absent for illness or another valid reason, he needs to keep up with his studies.

7. Encourage her to pursue interests and make friends through extracurricular activities. Be certain, however, that she selects no more than a few activities so she has adequate time for schoolwork.

8. Know your child's friends. Who does your child hang out with? Follow up on any suspicions that you may have.

9. Make it clear that she must follow school rules and policies. Teach her to respect people as well as property. Help her know right from wrong and what she must do when negative temptations come her way.

10. Encourage him to get to know his counselor and to reach out to the counselor for support

11. Attend parent meetings, open houses, booster clubs, parent education groups, and other activities for parents.

12. Consistently acknowledge and reward efforts at school. When your child works hard, your acknowledgment motivates him to persist.

None of us are perfect and we sometimes make mistakes in raising our children. But your child needs your love and respect. A pre-teen needs to become independent, responsible, and self-sufficient to succeed in most of her endeavors in school and at home. The best way to help her in all aspects of development is to try to ensure that her emotional needs are consistently met. Your understanding, common sense, adult judgment, and good sense of humor can make these middle-school years a joy for both you and your child