Transitioning to Middle School is the most challenging time in the life of a parent and child. Challenging because there’s a fine balance that needs to be drawn between being a parent while not embarrassing them in front of their friends. Remember, they are still kids, but believe they are almost adults. And then they hormones also kick in!
Here are some pointers to see you through to Middle School:
1 While we all want to be friends, it’s best to be a parent or rather a coach at this stage of their life. They still can’t take their decisions on their own.
2 Be positive about the new and upcoming change. Not all children are brave. Some are quiet and withdrawn. It’s our job as parents to keep their chin up and calm their worries.
3 Be there for your child and always take their side in front of other parents or friends. You can discuss it out with them later. It’s all about their image and you need to help them build it.
4 Talk about your past and what you faced at middle school. Try to keep it casual and laugh it off. This will encourage them to talk and discuss freely with you.
5 Organize. Organize. Yes, this is an important stage in their life and not all children are organized. Sometimes, they don’t know how and if you guide them, they will follow suit. If you ignore or drop the ball, then there’s no one to pick it up for them.
6 Be mature. Children go through all the emotions at this stage of their life. If they act up. Try to be calm and hold the fort. Yelling back is no help. They are trying to work it out, support them. Keep your patience and tolerance at its peak.
7 Middle school is called middle school because kids are in the middle and not yet there as an adult. Children at this stage feel peer pressure to give up all their kiddy favorites and opt for older options. Suddenly they are uninterested in their cartoon tees and want branded ones instead. Be there for them and help them wean out of their childhood and walk confidently into adolescence.
8 Kids open up when they have fun. So, talk, talk, talk and do fun things with them. Communication will help a lot in helping them grow.
9 Talk about puberty and clear all their doubts. It’s important that they are not confused. Drinking, drugs, and sex should not be taboo topics to be discussed with parents. Remember, they should come to you when in trouble.