Welcome to Middle School: Tips to help your child thrive in middle school

What is Middle School? In the American educational system, middle school is typically 6 th, 7 th & 8 th grade It is a bridge between elementary school and high school It is a safe time to learn social skills and study habits that students will need in high school (and beyond), BEFORE grades go on high school transcripts LizNoel Duncan, M.Ed., LCSW

What is a tween? Sometimes you’ll hear middle school students called “tweens.” Tween is short for BETWEEN It has come to mean someone who is between being a child and being a teenager, usually years old. LizNoel Duncan, M.Ed., LCSW

How are tweens different than teens? Physical Growth — pre-adolescents and adolescents between 8-12 years are growing rapidly. Girls often grow faster than boys, and boys may begin to have voice changes. This can be awkward for those who are growing quickly, and those that might not be. Emotional Growth — pre-teens are also experiencing hormonal changes, which can make them moody and very sensitive. Pre-teens & teens are also trying to figure out who they are and how they fit into the world. LizNoel Duncan, M.Ed., LCSW

How are tweens different than teens? Achievement — every child has different strengths. Some students find school and classes easier than other students. It is important that students find things that they are interested in, and that they don’t give up too easily. Even if something is hard for them, they can learn a lot if they ask questions and keep trying. Lack of life experiences — pre-teens haven’t done a lot of different things yet, so they don’t always know how to act in different situations. They will learn, often by making mistakes the first few times. LizNoel Duncan, M.Ed., LCSW

How can parents help students do their best? Teach your kids that going to school is their “job” for the next few years. Hopefully your kids love all their classes, but even if they don’t, they still have to do all the work and do their best. Aim high — if you expect your child to do well, they will probably do well. If you expect that they won’t do well, and they won’t do well. We need to expect the most from our kids. Know the difference between studying and learning — Learning means that they will remember what they have learned as they grow. Studying often just means memorizing something until the test. LizNoel Duncan, M.Ed., LCSW

How can parents help students do their best? Make study time a priority — students should do their homework and school work first, before they play or do outside sports. Having regular study times will help them learn how to prioritize what they need to do, and it will help them develop a good work ethic. Set up a space for homework — desk, chair, good lighting, school supplies, no distractions like tv, internet, mobile phones or screaming siblings. Students need a quiet place to work that has everything they need to do their school work. Don’t let your kids forget everything they learned over the summer. Encourage them to read, review, and learn as often as they can. Set a good example — show your kids that you are still learning every day. Encourage your kids to go to bed at a regular time every evening, preferably not too late. LizNoel Duncan, M.Ed., LCSW

Family Dinner A great time to talk with your kids Families & children tend to eat healthier at regular family dinners Family dinners increases vocabulary, higher school achievement scores Family dinners should be friendly and engaged Important: NO television or electronics at dinner, use the time to talk & listen to each other LizNoel Duncan, M.Ed., LCSW

“Kids who eat dinner with their parents experience less stress and have better relationships with them. This daily mealtime connection is like a seat belt for traveling the potholed road of childhood and adolescence and all its possible risky behavior.” --Anne Fishel (Washington Post, January 12, 2015) LizNoel Duncan, M.Ed., LCSW

What is the most important thing a parent can do? LISTEN! Really listen to your child. Ask them what their favorite part of their day was. What did they learn. What are their hopes & dreams. LizNoel Duncan, M.Ed., LCSW

Resources Metro Parent – School Family – College Board – LizNoel Duncan, M.Ed., LCSW

References Fishel, A. (January 12, 2015). The most important thing you can do with your kids? Eat dinner with them. Washington Post. Retrieved from important-thing-you-can-do-with-your-kids-eat-dinner-with-them/ Killion, D. (2014). Social skills for tweens: how adolescents differ from teens. Retrieved from schoolers/ social-skills-adolescents-differ-from-teens/ Metro Parent. (n.d.) School success guide for kids. Retrieved from School Family. (n.d.) 10 tips for middle school parents. Retrieved from school-parents LizNoel Duncan, M.Ed., LCSW