Sometimes it's easier to talk when it's less intense, like while watching a movie or sitting in the car - using media can also be a useful way to start conversations about tricky things like relationships. Remember that the point isn't to give advice but to help them feel comfortable talking to you, something that won't be true for long if the conversation turns to your opinions. Try to validate strong emotions, which can help defuse them. It's always a good idea to listen more than one talks, and this is particularly true in middle school. Eat meals together, make sure to carve out time to be together and talk - or rather, listen. Some of that downtime should be fun family time, like a game or movie night, or going out for ice cream, or whatever your child enjoys. Make sure that downtime gets scheduled along with any extracurricular activities. At the same time, all of us need downtime. Joining a club, sport, or other school-sponsored activity is a great way to make friends and grow as a person. Exercise can be as simple as a walk - maybe even to school or with the dog.Įncourage your child to get involved - but not overscheduled. If life is particularly busy, think about making some healthy snacks, lunches, or dinners ahead of time on the weekend. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and getting a good night's sleep are crucial. It can give you useful context and connect you with other parents. Join the PTO or look for chances to volunteer, to the extent that you can around your own responsibilities. Sign up for any conferences or other resources offered to parents. Get to know their teachers and school culture. Have ground rules about device use, such as no use during meals or homework, and charging the phone outside of the bedroom at night. ![]() Everything and everyone looks perfect on social media, whether or not they are. And social media can not only be distracting but a source of anxiety for middle schoolers. Screen time has a way of eating into things like homework, sleep, and other important uses of time. Fight the urge to micromanage the idea is to help your child gain skills - and any true gaining of skills involves making some mistakes.īe mindful of the effects of screen time - and social media. Help them work out a schedule that makes sure they get their homework done while also still having time for exercise and other activities. Encourage your child to use a daily or weekly planner (paper or online). Keeping assignments and tests straight with multiple classes is an adjustment. So what can parents do? Here are some suggestions for helping your middle schooler navigate these new waters. It's also when some students start to experiment with sexuality and substance use, which can be overwhelming - even when glimpsed secondhand through the experiences of friends. It can be challenging socially, as students try to find friends and community amidst what can be very tough peer pressure. Even just changing classes - which for most students starts in middle school - can be stressful. It's tougher academically than elementary school, with more work and higher expectations. ![]() Middle school can be challenging for many students.
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