Tips
for Middle School Parents
Tips
for Middle School Parents
Parents are by far the most important teachers our children will ever have, and they learn primarily from what we do, not what we say. It will be hard for your student to be caring if you are unconcerned; for them to be positive, if you are dismal; for them to love, if they feel unloved. Show interest in your student’s work. Let them know that it is important and that you have high expectations for them. Be willing to help them with their work, but not to do it for them. There is no substitute for spending time with children. Not just “quality” time, occasionally, but lots of time…time to work, time to play, time to laugh, and time to bond with each other. Enjoy the middle school years!
§ Be consistent. Set firm, clear rules and stick to them!
§ Don’t believe that, “everybody else gets to. . . .”
§ Talk with your child. Avoid talking “to” them.
§ Give your student an appropriate amount of freedom and responsibility.
§ Spend time as a family unit.
§ Be sure criticism is constructive and not destructive.
§ Follow through. Don’t make idle threats.
§ Never be afraid to say “NO!” Remain authoritative but give thorough, genuine explanations when you say “no.”
Distinguish between, “I don’t like you,” and “I don’t like your behavior.