It’s a bittersweet moment when your child transitions from elementary school to middle school. New school, new teachers, new friends, new schedules—going from the structured environment of elementary school to the independent and slightly chaotic rush of middle school can be overwhelming and intimidating. We’ve got some helpful tips on how you can help your child have a successful transition into middle school, starting with what you can do before the first day of classes that will help start the transition off on the right foot.
How to Prepare Before School Starts
- Take a tour of the school - There is a whole new concept to get used to in middle school—moving around for each class. Even if you and your child are familiar with the school because you have older children or have attended events at the school, there is something about walking in as a new student that can be intimidating. Taking a tour of the school with your soon-to-be middle schooler will help them become familiar with the layout and feel more confident in their ability to find their way around.
- Help them understand their new schedule - Moving around to different classrooms involves a strategic schedule that is an overwhelming concept for a new middle schooler. During your visit to the school, do a few “practice runs” as you visit the different classrooms, so your child gets familiar with how to move around and how long it takes to get from one classroom to another.
- Help them personalize their locker space - Shopping for locker essentials and small ways to personalize their space is a great activity for you to enjoy with your young scholar, while also helping them get more comfortable and excited about their middle school experience.
- Title here - Starting a new era in middle school is a great time to introduce the responsibilities of having a cell phone (if you haven’t done so already). Cellphones are a helpful tool for keeping in touch during new, busy schedules—but be sure to talk about cell phone etiquette at school (i.e. silent mode during class periods, etc…). This is also a great time to address internet and social media safety. Places like SafeWise offer great tips for helping keep kids safe online, and InternetMatters.org offers safety checklists that your child can use to help them determine if something is safe when you’re not around. You might also consider apps like Bark as a tool for monitoring your child’s online interactions.
- Introduce yourself - Make an effort to meet each of your child’s new teachers. Your involvement during the school year will depend on great communication with all the educators in your child’s life. Take the first step by introducing yourself and making sure they have your contact information and know when you are available to discuss any concerns.
- Get prepared - Prepare for tutoring or homework help, especially if your child has known trouble areas with their academics. Start by speaking to your child’s school or school district before the first day of classes to see what support they can provide and where you can find supplemental support if necessary.
- Have the talk - Talk about puberty, peer pressure, and new feelings/emotions, as well as bodily autonomy, boundaries, and consent. Understand that whether you like it or not, middle school is the time when X% of teens have their first sexual encounters. Beyond that, they are sure to experience their first crush, first date, etc…
Tips for a Great School Year
- Build their self-confidence - Middle school is a rough period of transition for most teens and tweens. Puberty is usually in full swing, and it’s not always a pleasant experience. Girls are at the highest risk for developing an eating disorder during their teen years. You can help your child build and maintain their self-confidence by creating a body-positive environment, encouraging their exploration, supporting their interests, and offering non-judgmental guidance when needed.
- Stay connected - Open and honest communication will help you stay connected to your middle schooler as they navigate new experiences. You start conversations by asking how their day went. Be specific and ask about certain classes, friends, and extracurricular activities. Ask where and with whom they eat lunch and ride on the bus. Not only will you be able to maintain great communication with your child, but you will also stay aware of signs of bullying and maintain a good understanding of your child’s mental health.
- Be involved - Attending parent/teacher conferences is important. Take it a step further by staying in touch with your child’s teachers throughout the school year. Also, make sure to attend as many of your child’s extracurricular activities as possible to show them and their peer group your support.
Bring in Support when Needed
Your child will experience a whirlwind of emotions as they end one era of their lives and embark on the next. As parents, we know that we don’t always have the right answers. Therapy is a great way for both you and your child to gain a new perspective and have a better understanding of each other. Therapy is also an important tool for healing if your child has experienced bullying, social trauma, or just having a difficult time transitioning into a new school. If you or someone you know is in the California or Nevada areas has a middle schooler who is struggling, Medens Health is ready to help alongside school counseling. Reach out to us by phone or text at (833) 624-5400, or by filling out our online contact form.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical or mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who is qualified to give you safe, professional, and ethical advice regarding your mental health.
If you or someone you are responsible for is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1 and/or take them to the nearest emergency room.
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