Middle school can be a tough time for children (and parents!) as they transition to adolescence and navigate changes in a variety of areas. One of the
biggest challenges in middle school is the social aspect as it often marks a shift toward focus on popularity and cliques, to determine who is “in” and who is “out.” These pressures can create anxiety, confusion, and stress in students, especially if left unspoken. Below are 7 tips to help your middle schooler healthily navigate social changes and become more inclusive.
7 Tips To Help Your Child Become Socially Inclusive:
- Learn about your middle schooler’s friendships. Your child is likely to meet new students from other elementary schools, and this can create shifts in friendships. Ask gentle questions, such as “Who did you eat lunch with today?” or “Who would you like to invite over this weekend?” to learn who your child’s friends are. Because friends have an influence in the ideas, activities, and pressures you child may face, knowing who your child is friends with is important.
- Become a safe person your middle schooler can confide in about social issues. Fully listening, empathizing, and reflecting what your Click here to continue reading….
With having more than one child comes the chance of sibling rivalry. Many brothers and sisters fight from time to time. Some siblings become great
friends where others feel the need to compete for their parents’ attention, material possessions, obtaining better grades, or excelling in sports. No matter what the fight is about, it can be both very unpleasant and frustrating to hear and see your children fight. Below are some strategies to help keep the peace between your children and reduce sibling rivalry.
Strategies To Reduce Sibling Rivalry:
- Acceptable and Unacceptable. Discuss with your children what behaviors are acceptable and unacceptable and encourage their input. Make it clear that name-calling, yelling, swearing, hitting, kicking, etc. are all unacceptable behaviors and will not be tolerated. Have them help come up with and be aware of what the consequences will be when they engage in these unacceptable behaviors.
- Don’t get Involved. When possible, try not to get involved and have your children workout their differences without you. You want your children to learn how to problem solve and find solutions Click here to continue reading…