Tips for Starting Middle School
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” – Dr. Suess
It’s graduation time - a moment to celebrate all the years your child has spent in elementary school. As exciting as this milestone is, many kids have mixed feelings about moving on to middle school - and that’s OK! Let’s break down some tips for middle school and how to support your kid as they adjust.
Nervousness
It’s completely natural to feel nervous when doing something for the first time.
A good first step is to sit down and make a list of questions or concerns your tween might have.
Try looking at a school map and identifying where your classes are. Take a note of important locations, such as bathrooms, health office, school counselor, gym, etc.
If you come across questions you can’t answer, think about someone who might be able to help. Maybe an older sibling, a neighbor, or a family friend who already attends the school.
This process can help ease anxiety by turning something unknown into something more familiar.
Acknowledge that not everything can be planned. Plans are great, but you can’t plan for everything - and that’s OK! This is an opportunity to practice being flexible.
Remind your kid to not overestimate how scary something might be - and not underestimate their ability to handle it. Pull on some examples when they felt nervous but ended up being fine. Those examples can be helpful confidence boosters.
Remind them, everyone is just as nervous as you are (even if they don’t show it)!
Academic
Kids are aware the academic demands are about to go up a notch. More homework, tougher tests, greater expectations. This can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, your child can thrive.
Be proactive and get ahead.
Set clear, realistic goals and help your kid create an organizational system to reach these goals. Try an agenda, digital calendar, designated study space, color coded folders and notebooks, etc.
James Clear said, “you do not rise to the levels of your goals. You fall to the levels of your systems.” We are looking to build consistency and strong habits in this new challenge.
A simple tip, but easy to forget, is always turn in your homework.
This is the easiest way to stay on top of your work and avoid falling behind. When we fall behind, we get overwhelmed. And when we’re overwhelmed, we are more likely to procrastinate and fall more behind. You see the cycle.
Get in the habit of always turning in your work, even if it’s not perfect.
Social
Maintain friendships over summer to help the transition to middle school feel less intimidating.
Encourage your tween to prepare together with his/her friends.
If possible, arrange a carpool with one of your child’s friends so they have someone to walk in with on the first day of school.
Try setting a meeting spot on campus where your child’s group will meet to hangout before school or during breaks.
Prepare to make new friends.
Be nice and say hello! Help them brainstorm a few questions to start a conversation with someone - especially with folks they share multiple classes with.
Motivate your kid to get involved on campus. Try joining a club or activity so they can meet new people with shared interests.
Don’t stress about fitting in - just be yourself. It’s not about the quantity of friends, but the quality. Just be yourself and you’ll find the people that help you feel your best!
You made it through elementary school and you’ll make it through middle school. Parenting can be tough, but you are not alone! Subscribe to my newsletter to stay up to date - https://www.christinakingfamilytherapy.com/free-resources
Thank you for another wonderful year. Have a great summer!!
Yours In Service,
Christina King, LMFT 145704