How to Support Your Child's Middle School Success

Who's on Your Team?

Are you flying solo into the teen years, holding on to the hope that if you spend enough time and provide the right amount of guidance and opportunity, both you and your soon-to-be will make it through adolescence? Parenting today is different than it was when you were a teen. Today, children spend the majority of their waking hours in the care of someone other than their parents. Given this reality, here are two questions to consider:

1. When you are together with your child, how do you spend your time?
2. How well do you know the people who impact your child's life?

With limited time, energy and opportunity to connect with your child, take a moment to think about how you currently spend your time together. Do you talk, debate or argue about scheduling issues, homework, or extracurricular responsibilities? How would spend this time if there was another way to handle the logistical issues of your relationship?

How often do you communicate with your child's teachers, coaches, counselors and mentors? Including these people as valued members of your support team gives both you and your child multiple connection points. Consider taking a few moments to call or e-mail each person who impacts your child's life. What information would be helpful for them to know about you, your child and your family? How would this increased communication strengthen your child's opportunity to succeed?