How Parents Can Help Kids Thrive in Middle School
Middle school is a challenging time for most young students. Middle schoolers have to cope with academic pressure while adjusting to a new school and learning how to navigate a new world of frenemies and bullies. To make matters worse, kids must face all of these challenges while going through puberty, which can be an awkward and uncomfortable time in every tween's life.
It may seem like the odds are not in your child's favor, but that's not the case. Your kids can succeed in middle school, and you can help. Here's what parents can do to help their children shine in middle school.
Make eating a healthy breakfast and getting enough sleep top priorities
Preteens and teens who eat a healthy breakfast have more energy and tend to perform better in school. Help your middle schooler prep a low-sugar breakfast packed full of fiber, whole grains and protein.
Lack of sleep can affect a child's performance in school, too. In middle school, kids need between 10 to 12 hours of sleep per night. Ensure your child gets enough sleep by keeping TVs, computers and video games out of their bedroom.
Help your child stay organized
Kids in middle school may receive homework, reading assignments and projects from different teachers for the first time, and organization is the key to managing everything .
Buy folders, binders and other items that can help your child organize their schoolwork. Purchase a day planner and show your child how to make to-do lists and mark due dates on their calendar. Then, help your child prioritize what needs to be done on a daily basis.
These organizational skills will help your child succeed in middle school, high school and throughout the rest of their academic career.
Encourage participation in extracurricular activities
Participating in extracurricular activities can benefit middle school students in a number of ways. Making new friends is important for kids at this age, and signing up for an extracurricular activity is a great way to meet other kids with similar interests.
Extracurricular activities can also build self-esteem. Kids become more confident when they get to do things they enjoy, so let them choose the extracurricular activities they like the most.
Teach your child how to deal with bullies
Bullies can target kids of all ages, but bullying often peaks during the middle school years. This may be the first time your child ever encounters a bully, which is why it's so important to prepare them.
Make sure your child knows that bullies are typically looking for a reaction, so it's best to ignore them. Staying calm and emotionless will show the bully that they aren't going to get the reaction they desire, so they might as well leave you alone.
Give your child the skills they need to deal with bullying, but remind them that if the bullying continues, they can always count on you for help.
The caring therapists at Foundations Counseling can help you and your family overcome life's greatest challenges. Contact us today!
