by Author Name Withheld 114

Created on: August 10, 2009

Moving from elementary school to middle school can be traumatic for some children. The thoughts of being in the same school with older kids can be daunting. The most important advice you can give your child is to keep their fears in perspective.

Often children haven't perfected their coping skills. Because of this they tend to blow things up in their minds, making an already stressful situation even more so. Don't let them see you fretting over the prospect of them entering middle school. At the same time don't dismiss their fears, it's important not to trivialize their feelings.

Assure them that their fears are normal. It's usually helpful to share your own fears and how you have overcome them. Let them see that everyone gets nervous in certain situations, it's all in the way that we cope with those fears.

Some parents cause more stress for their children without meaning to by emphasizing the importance of fitting in with our peers. While it is important to hone social skills and conform to certain guidelines such as dress codes and rules of behavior, it is even more important to allow your child to express their individuality in ways that are acceptable. This builds confidence that can help them resist pressure from peers to participate in activities that may be dangerous or unacceptable.

Keep things upbeat, but at the same time sympathize with your child. Listen and take the time to help your child overcome problems they may encounter with other students. Watch for signs of bullying and be willing to intervene when necessary. While it sounds reasonable to teach your child to 'stick up for themselves', children of that age quite often aren't able to devise a plan that allows them to cope with bullying and peer pressure.

If you find that your child is having problems connecting with friends, you could try something as simple as arranging to take them out to a casual lunch with a few potential friends. Sometimes meeting in a neutral setting can help them build their social skills and find friends that they can spend time with.

It also helps to let them be free with what they want their image to be, but tell them that the clothes they buy have to last them all year, or at least part of it. If you let them pick the clothing they want it helps boost their confidence and send away the fear that they have.

By keeping the lines of communication open with your child and becoming involved in their middle school experience, you should be able to make the transition from elementary school to middle school as painless as possible for your young student.

Learn more about this author, Author Name Withheld 114.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.