Get Your Child Ready for Middle School Success with These Tips
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Starting middle school can be challenging, especially when it comes to making friends. But there are things you can do as a parent to help your child feel more comfortable and confident. Encourage them to get involved in extracurricular activities and clubs. This is an excellent way for them to meet other kids with similar interests. And, as an added bonus, involvement in activities like these often looks great on college applications!
If your tween or teen is shy or doesn’t know where to start, have a conversation with their teacher or the school counselor. They may be able to put your child in touch with other kids in the same situation or help them find an activity that’s perfect for them.
3 Reasons Why Extracurricular Activities Are Great for Making Friends in Middle School
- There’s less pressure than trying to make friends in the classroom alone. Sometimes it can be tough for tweens to approach other kids and strike up a conversation, especially if they don’t share any classes together. But extracurricular activities provide a built-in way for tweens and teens to connect with each other. They already have something in common—the activity they’re participating in—so it’s a great way to bond.
- It allows tweens and teens to connect with other kids who share their interests. When kids participate in activities they’re passionate about, they naturally attract others with similar interests. This makes the process of making friends a lot easier and more enjoyable. And it allows kids to form deeper, more meaningful relationships with their peers.
- It provides opportunities for tweens and teens to step outside their comfort zone and try new things. Trying new activities can be daunting, but it’s also an excellent way for kids to expand their horizons and explore new interests. And as they try new things, they’ll likely meet new people along the way, increasing the pool of potential friends they have to choose from!
Some popular extracurricular activities and clubs for middle schoolers include:
-Tutoring younger students
-Joining the yearbook staff
-Participating in sports
-Being a part of the school newspaper
-Doing volunteer work
-Performing in the school play
-There are many options, so talk to your child about what they might be interested in and help them find a way to get involved.
More Steps You Can Take to Support Your Middle Schooler
In addition to social success, it’s also essential to focus on academics. One way you can support your child’s academics is by helping them develop good study habits. This means setting aside a specific time each day for homework or studying. It might also mean creating a designated study area in your home, free from distractions like TV and video games. Whatever methods you choose, the important thing is that you help your tween or teen establish routines and stick to them. Consistency is critical when it comes to developing good study habits.
It’s also vital to ensure your middle schooler keeps up with all their assignments. A great way to do this is by checking in with their teacher regularly via email or parent-teacher conferences. This will help you identify areas where your child might need extra help and ensure that they’re on track academically. Additionally, encourage your child to ask questions in class and seek help from their teachers when needed. The sooner they get assistance, the less likely they are to fall behind.
Middle school can be a challenging time for both parents and kids. However, there are things you can do to help your child succeed in middle school socially and academically. I’ve shared some of the most essential tips in this blog post, but there is so much more to learn. If you want more information or help implementing these strategies, contact me at www.middleschoollifecoach.com. I offer coaching services that can help you and your child successfully transition into this critical stage of life. Thanks for reading!
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