Transitioning from the early years of a child’s schooling to the middle school years can be trying for both the parent and the child. Though there are certain things that cannot be avoided like growing up, there are a few things that you can do to help both yourself and your tweens adjust to this monumental change in the way things work. Moving from elementary to middle school is a challenge, but it does not have to be insurmountable.
Allow your child to voice their concerns and fears openly
It is far easier to face what you have to do if you are willing to look straight at the problem and see why it is bothering you. Allowing your tween to talk about what they are worried about with the transition will make it far easier to face and deal with. Talking also helps to ease nerves and offers an opportunity for solutions.
Go to every open house
Going to the open houses that are offered for children is one of the best things that parents can do. Though they are often optional, they should not be missed. It is far easier for a child to transition if they know what they are going into and they have seen a bit of what the next few years of school will be like.
Make sure your child has a strong network of friends
Allowing your child to have their friends over prior to the move to middle school can help with the bonding and can help your child to find common ground with their peers. It is much easier to face a new situation if you have someone there with you.
Make the most of the change
By telling your child that you are proud of them and that the change is a positive one rather than something to be scared of you can effectively calm their nerves and make it far easier for them to transition. If a child sees that a parent is not worried, it makes it much easier for them to face a new situation.
Talk to your child about your own experiences and theirs
Talking to your child about what you went through when you transitioned to middle school can help them to see that change is not all that bad and that sooner or later they will be content in their new school. Also, you should make an effort to talk to them about their first day and what it was like.
Transitioning from elementary to middle school is difficult, but it does not have to be impossible. Allowing your child to face their fears and talk about them is a sure fire way to calm nerves and get the transition going. You should be open with your tween above all else when it comes to this important milestone.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Landon is just starting kindergarten next week, but we have done almost all of these with him….except for the friend network as we have recently moved and don’t really know anyone yet
I think this is a great list for any parent to have with kids in school no matter the grade, but especially for those in transition years.
Sarah Welte recently posted..Period, Exclamation!
Some of these tips are coming in handy with our transition to high school. We have a back to school bash coming up on the 28th. I plan to be there with bells on, and I never thought about sharing my experience with my daughter. I don’t know why – thanks for sharing this.
Elizabeth Towns recently posted..Vacation 101 or 2012…no sick kids!
I love the tip to go to every open house. Even when kids don’t want to open up at the moment, seeing you involved makes such an impact on them.
Jen – Life With Levi recently posted..Hotel Hack: Using A Flat Iron For Wrinkle Free Pants
Bub starts middle school in 2 days, I am amazed!
Heather Bryant recently posted..Gmail gets Multiple Sign In, Thank You Google!
These are excellent tips, and tips I wish I would have known when I was transitioning to middle school. I always thought the middle school years are the hardest for kids.
Desiree recently posted..25 Easy DIY Halloween Crafts
Great tips – We’re still a long ways off from this stage, but I can remember going through it myself, and it was a tough time.
Meagan Paullin recently posted..Breakfast for Super Moms – & Daily Chance to Win $500 Walmart Gift Card!
Another suggestion is to become acquainted with your child’s teachers by communicating on a regular basis. Touch base via email, snail mail, phone or face to face.