As these warm (hot if you live in my state!) summer days drift by, you may find yourself on the cusp of a new chapter in your child’s life – the middle years. It is a time filled with excitement, nervousness, and a tinge of anxiety. Ok…maybe more than a tinge. The jumping-off place from elementary years to middle years is pretty big and, understandably, you might feel anxiety about it all along with your child. If you are feeling a rollercoaster of emotions about your little one moving into this new season of their education, you are not alone! Deep breaths, while I reassure you this transition, can be an incredible opportunity for both you and your child to grow, learn, and make some special memories along the way.

It is completely normal to be anxious about your child starting middle school. After all, they are entering a new environment with more responsibility, social dynamics, and academic challenges. The key to navigating this time successfully is preparation and fostering open communication with your child. Let’s delve into some tips to ease your worries and make this transition the best it can be for your family.
• Educate yourself! Familiarize yourself with the middle school curriculum, extracurricular opportunities, and support systems in place. This knowledge will give you a clearer understanding of what to expect and how you can actively engage with your child’s education.
• Encourage open dialogue with your child in the best way you can. Practice creating a safe and non-judgmental space by asking your child how they are feeling about starting middle school. Practice listening…really listening. This is easier said than done. Validate their emotions by sharing how you might feel the same or a story from your young years. These moments will strengthen your bond and build trust. If your relationship has been shaky, start over and keep going! It will help make it easier for your child to share with you in the coming months.
• Attend Orientation events. Many schools organize these events to allow you and your child to meet teachers, get a sense of the school’s layout, and perhaps make new friends.
• Emphasize the positives about middle school (and there are many!) Life in middle school often gets a bad rap. The jokes about these years have some truth but my experience of knowing decades of middle schoolers proves there are many reasons to see the positives. There will be a myriad of exciting opportunities, from joining clubs and sports teams to exploring new subjects. Speak positives over your child as they begin to explore new interests.
• Be Supportive but Let Go. While it is natural to want to protect our children, it is equally important to allow them to embrace their newfound independence. Give them the space to work out their own challenges. Friendships, academics, learning how to advocate for themselves are all places of practice and growth. Always let them know you are there to listen and be supportive.
• Connect with other parents. Building a network of other parents going through the same experience can be very comforting. It can also be a place to field questions and gain perspective together.
• Take care of YOU! Remember to take care of your well-being during this transitional period. Engage in activities and spend time with people that bring joy, practice relaxation or mindfulness, and lean on your support system when you need it.
• Celebrate small achievements! As your middle schooler navigates the new experiences of middle school, remember to step away from criticism and celebrate small achievements. Acknowledge their efforts and progress will boost their confidence and show them you are proud. Maybe it is keeping an agenda, completing a project on time, or correcting a habit that isn’t serving them well. Whatever the improvement, use words to share your pride. Write notes and leave them on their pillow. Your words have a great impact on your child’s self-talk so choose them carefully.

Reach out for a 30-minute call at no charge at any time in this new season for your family. I have walked this transition both as a parent (twice!) and as a classroom teacher helping parents as well as their children. I was walking through the end of a long marriage when my daughter was in middle school. It would have made all of these tips I have shared extra hard to do because I was under great stress. I will never regret reaching out for more support. It made all the difference in the way I made decisions on behalf of my family and lightened the load. You’ve got this!