Q1: What should I know about child development? What emotional changes and challenges should I expect in my middle school student?

Q2: How do I deal with a child who does not want to participate in school activities?

Q3: How do I help my child make good decisions?

Q4: What are the non-school-related issues that my child may face?

Q5: How do I communicate effectively with my child?

Q6: Is my child involved in too many activities?

Q1: What should I know about child development? What emotional changes and challenges should I expect in my middle school student?

One of the most important things parents should know about adolescent development is that during this time their child experiences a variety of new changes, all at the same time. The first step in helping your child through this transitional stage involves first recognizing that change will occur. Find out what the signs are here...

Q2: How do I deal with a child who does not want to participate in school activities?

Socials, clubs, sports — middle school brings with it a whole new world of after-school activities. As a parent, it's natural for you to want your child to be well-rounded and not only have a successful academic life but also a balanced and full social life. It's important to remember that the transition from elementary school to middle school is a challenge for most children. For some, it may be their first time in after-school group events. Do not worry if your child does not immediately get involved in school activities as it may take them awhile to get accustomed to their new surroundings. Here's how you can help...

Q3: How do I help my child make good decisions?

Allowing your children to gradually take on more responsibility and make their own decisions is an important step toward developing responsible, independent young adults. Make a point to try new ways to create safe environments so your child can learn the value of making smart decisions. Making mistakes is a part of the process.

Q4: What are the non-school-related issues that my child may face?

And you thought the "terrible-twos" stage was hard. Well, guess what? Many believe that the "terrible-twos" phase doesn't even compare to the transitional "in-between" teen years! Your middle school student experiences a great deal of change all at once, and the attitudes and behavior that result can be difficult to deal with at times. Find practical tips and strategies to help you and your student successfully get through this exciting but sometimes turbulent time.

Q5: How do I communicate effectively with my child?

When you ask your child, "What did you do today," do you get a lot of one word answers to your questions, like "Yes," "No," "Fine," or "Nothing?" Communicating with pre- and new teens is not always easy. As a matter of fact, it can be downright hard. Here are some ideas on how to have meaningful talks with your children.

Q6: Is my child involved in too many activities?

Soccer practice, band practice, after-school tutoring...and the list continues. Just like their parents, students can become overwhelmed and stressed out by an abundance of extracurricular activities. Consider these suggestions when monitoring your child's level of participation, to determine if he/she is over-scheduled.