Middle School Mind

Middle school is a pivotal time in a student's journey, filled with unique challenges and exciting opportunities for growth. Middle schoolers are at a crucial stage of development, where they begin to assert their independence and explore their identities. Our counselors understand the specific needs of this age group, providing guidance and resources to help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Compared to elementary school, middle school brings new responsibilities and expectations. It's a time of increased academic rigor and greater peer interactions.

7th Graders

The Typical 7th Grade Student

Social Changes

Adolescents Today

Adolescents and Substances

Emotional Changes

ADOLESCENCE: A TIME OF CHANGE

UNDERSTAND…………………
This period of time is a transformation
Developing own identity separate from parents
By nature, kids will argue about rules and limitations
Remember that kids NEED rules and limitations, it shows them you care
Making mistakes is a part of growing up and learning right from wrong
Kids have more confidence when they feel loved and supported by those at home

Working with Adolescents

LISTEN……………………….

ALWAYS listen, even when you know the answer is NO
Listening helps kids feel heard and respected, even if you disagree
Listening is good role modeling for communication in their relationships
Listening should be temporary at times, don’t get caught up in a battle
Listen, discuss, decide and move on. You are the parent
Try to include your child in the decision-making whenever you can
Listen to their body language and behaviors

REMEMBER……………..

This challenging time is only for a short number of years.

All of your time, effort and understanding will go a long way in building a healthy life-long parent/child relationship in the future

Homework

Homework is one of the most powerful tools that can be used to ensure your child’s success in school. As you know, the purpose of homework is to reinforce and extend what teachers have taught in the classroom. Parents can help in the following ways:

Provide a study environment where your child can work quietly with good lighting, room for materials, and freedom from distractions.
Consider with your child the amount of homework to be done as well as extra-curricular commitments and plan a realistic weekly homework schedule.
Have a calendar in your child's room to help them begin to organize due dates, test dates, etc.
Be sure assignments are clearly written in your child’s agenda book to help build good organizational skills.
Offer positive reinforcement and encouragement. Emphasize the value of homework in helping your child establish routines and structure.
Grant your child “free time” when he/she has completed all homework assignments.
Periodically check your child’s progress with his/her teachers and counselor. Keep communication open.
Provide academic support when needed. Ask for resources from the school.
Provide a supply box or drawer with all school supplies to have within reach.
Congratulate your child's accomplishments to help build their academic confidence.

Raising Adolescents

Raising children has become more and more challenging in today's world. As parents and educators, we want the best for our children. Our common goal is to develop independent young adults who are both academically and emotionally successful. Parents can help in the following ways:

Provide your child with opportunities to make their own decisions to help foster independence.\
Give your child space to sort things out for themselves to help build their decision making skills. Allow them to make mistakes along the way.
Set reasonable limits and rules that are consistent, and rooted in your beliefs and values.
Respect your teenager's privacy and check on things when you are worried.
Get to know your child's friends and don't judge their relationships.
Listen more and question less. You will learn more from your child by simply listening and observing than asking them questions.
Recognize and compliment your child's strengths in all areas to help build their emotional confidence.
Be aware of your child's socialization on the computer. This should not be private as the internet is public to the entire world. Parents should have access to their child's communications for their physical and emotional safety.
Enjoy your child's company and value who they are as a person, not just as a student.
Help your child identify their talents, skills and interests and get them involved in some peer related activities to help foster those areas and build their confidence socially and emotionally.
Spend time together as a family eating, talking and socializing to help build their social skills.
Talk to your children about alcohol, drugs and sex. Use TV shows, news articles, movies, books, and related current incidents to help open these conversations. Ask for resources from the school to help guide these conversations if needed.
Realize that all children are a work in progress and the journey to becoming a successful adult will take many tears, laughs, hugs, disagreements, worries, failures and accomplishments.
Be involved in your child's life both in and out of school. Children develop a sense of being valued when parents show their interest.
Lastly, remember that you can never tell your child you love them enough! Even when they are rolling their eyes at you, they are listening to those most important words.

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