Middle School — Expect the Unexpected
There is excitement in the air — going from Elementary School into Middle School. Every school district has its own policy and management of school levels – some have ONLY 5th graders in one school. And then into 6th graders in one school before going into 7th grade and junior high years. However your school district is divided up, your child will be going through development pre-tween into adulthood that will last a lifetime. I know you will help them in every way you can, and it will help you. And to know that this course will be your partner in your child’s development from this day forward.
What is Expected in Middle School?
The experience in the teen years is like entering a tunnel as a child and leaving that tunnel as a young adult. It is critical that you assure your child that you will always be there to listen and answer questions about their expectations and observations about their school experience. Share a story about your years or a story of someone you knew going through those teen years.
Several years ago, I developed a “Before Middle School Program” for 5th Graders in South Texas. Every week we hosted speakers from every walk of life. And who shared stories about their pre-teen or teenage years and how those years influenced their life choices.
Some of the most impactful school year stories were shared by a:
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Black Navy Pilot
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Teenage Mother
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Holocaust Survivor
Building a Strategy to Successfully Meet the Challenges
Successful adulthood started when YOUR Child was born. But the most important years in their development will be pre-tween through teenage years. Going from dependence on you to being independent and on their own can be daunting to your child. And help them understand that decisions made during these years will impact them throughout their lifetime. But please encourage them to:
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Having a Code to live by – Self Motivated and Self Disciplined
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A toolbox where YOUR child can solve issues or problems
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Having a plan written down – having school work organized
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Help them move from being dependent on YOU to make their own decisions and choices.
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