How to Transition to Middle School

One of the most challenging times for kids and parents is when children begin middle school. School days are set up differently, plus peer relationships demand a lot of attention and hormones shoot up. Middle school requires a huge amount of patience from parents in order to maintain a good relationship with their children. Follow these steps to successfully transition your child to middle school.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Attend any meetings or activities offered by the middle school while still in elementary school. Tour the school if possible. See if the middle school holds special orientation programs to help sixth graders with the transition before school starts.

2. Talk to your child about the opportunities available at middle school. He can take electives in interesting subjects like drama or foreign languages. This is also the time when many children begin band or orchestra and participate in extracurricular activities. Find out what clubs, sports and other activities interest your student.

3. Take advantage of exploratory programs in middle school. More experts recommend that kids start thinking about future plans while in middle school. Exploratory programs can help with planning.

4. Teach organizational skills to your child. The increase in classes, homework and activities can be quite demanding. Kids become easily distracted and forgetful at this age. Using a workable system to keep track of everything makes the transition to middle school less stressful.

5. Practice good study habits. Homework typically increases and gets harder in middle school. Arrange regular study times at the dining room table with phones, television and computers turned off. Make certain your child knows that you expect his best effort.

6. Stay involved with school. This is a time when parent involvement typically falls off, but it helps your student and the teachers to know that you're interested. In addition, you can't always count on your child to remember to relay necessary information. Attend parent-teacher meetings and volunteer to help in the classroom or with supervising field trips.

7. Remain an active part of your new middle schooler's life. Your child may act as if she doesn't need you, but she does. Research shows that early teens do better in school when parents remain involved in their lives.

Tips & Warnings

• Research shows that students who take algebra and geometry early are likely to go on to college. See if your child is ready for algebra by the eighth grade.
• Make certain your child has a good alarm clock. Middle schoolers should be able to get themselves up for school.
• If you haven't allowed your child to take responsibility for their decisions yet, this is a good time to start. It is far better for a middle schooler to learn that not studying can result in a failing grade than for a high school or college student.
• One of the biggest problems during the teen years is that kids don't get enough sleep. They stay up too late and have to get up early for school. Try to curb late night computer, telephone and television use.
• Peer pressure and bullying increases dramatically in middle school. Talk to your child about coping skills.