How to Help Your Child's Transition into Middle School
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Starting middle school is a significant milestone in a young person’s life. It is filled with many exciting moments, as well as some challenges that can come up in different areas: academic, extracurricular, and social. Parents of teens go through a transition, too, navigating how to best support their child while allowing them the independence needed to grow.
This article breaks down some of the best ways parents can help smooth this transitional period for their new middle-schooler, with tips for how to support their academic success, help them create new organizational routines, and bolster their emotional and mental health.
1. Stay connected to your child’s schoolwork
Support your child’s independence in school while also encouraging them to come to you with any questions or concerns about their academics. If you are able to, try to form connections with the teachers, counselors, and staff at their new school. That way, you’ll know who to reach out to if your child comes to you needing support.
To help them stay on top of class, consider utilizing the thousands of supplemental learning materials for middle school on Education.com:
2. Help them advocate for themselves
Embolden your child to face obstacles on their own, but also make sure they know that you are there for them. Empower them to take ownership of tasks like packing their backpack, making their lunch, managing their assignments, and reaching out to friends to plan social activities. Giving them the space to make their own decisions—and learn from their mistakes—will build confidence and valuable life skills.
3. Establish new routines
Starting middle school means their schedule is about to get a lot busier, with tougher academics, more extracurriculars, increased responsibility, and more robust social lives. Help them manage their workload by establishing routines and systems for working through the tasks on their list! Encourage your middle-schooler to balance their new responsibilities by setting up a consistent bedtime, wake-up time, and study schedule. When it comes to school, creating a conducive environment for learning and using a study planner can help!
4. Help them embrace their individuality
Navigating new friendships and social dynamics can be challenging. Encourage your child to be friendly and open to new connections while also staying true to themselves. Printable worksheets like this Mirror and Window Identity Activity, Mindfulness Practice, Creating an Individuality Map, or All About Me Graphic Organizer can help them establish a sense of identity and reflect on what makes them unique.
5. Encourage self-care
Let’s face it—the middle school years can be tough! Above all, be patient with your teenager as they navigate this transitional period, and encourage them to care for their mental health and emotional wellbeing. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small, and offer support when they encounter challenges.
Social-emotional learning resources like a Self-Care Challenge or Writing a Letter of Appreciation to Yourself can help relieve stress and boost confidence. When it comes to making sense of new, complex emotions, have them try a Rose and Thorn Reflection Activity, Draw That Emotion Art Prompt, or Offer Yourself Advice worksheet.
Source: How to ease your child’s transition to middle school – Education.com Blog
