Help Your Child Achieve Success in Middle School

Middle school is for children between the ages of 10 and 14 years. At this time children begin to change emotionally and intellectually. They look at the world in a different light and the way they feel, learn and interact with peers and figures of authority changes considerably. These changes are challenging and today’s society and peer pressure creates tension and conflicts. This is reflected in adolescent behavior both in school and at home.
It is normal for adolescents to have conflicts and contradictions in their lives. Both positive and negative qualities become more evident during the adolescent years, as do their strong and weak points. In order to empathize with and understand adolescents, some common characteristics must be recognized.
Many parents are actively involved in their children’s education during the elementary school years. When children start middle school the involvement of parents decreases dramatically. Parents must realize that their involvement in their child’s education during the middle school years is important to the child’s academic success. If your child’s school doesn’t ask for parent participation during this time in your child’s life, you must still continue to be involved in the education process.
Research that has taken place in recent years shows that children whose parents remain involved in their education have a much higher level of academic success. This is beneficial to both the student and the school because:
It is imperative that parents from all walks of life support their middle school-aged children and let them know that they are interested in their academic success. Suggestions for doing so include:
As a parent, your involvement in middle school will differ from your participation in elementary school. Your child most likely begun rotation of subjects and ill have several teachers. The schedule in middle school is more complicated than it was at the elementary level and adolescent children will not be as open to your presence at school. In order to respect your child’s need for independence and privacy and still be actively involved in his education, follow these tips:
Being involved in your child’s education doesn’t mean visiting the school on a daily basis. Be open to suggestions, be a good listener, be supportive and keep the lines of communication open between yourself and your child and yourself and the school. This will ensure your child’s academic success in middle scho
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