Middle school students need to
know their parents are interested in their academic success, even if the
students act as though they don’t care.
They might not tell you — but
they do want their parents to offer support and protection, especially when
problems arise.
Try these time-tested
techniques:
• Talk with your child every
day about what happened at school. Find ways to get even a short conversation
going about classroom experiences.
• Spend time together. Relax and
share a meal or snack. Tell your children often what their strengths are. Most
teens need this reinforcement.
• Listen to your child’s
worries. Try to point out and emphasize the positive. Support what you think is
good about school. If there are concerns, offer to talk with school officials
about practices you don’t think are good for your child.
• Don’t scold and argue when
your child brings home bad news. Instead, listen to your child’s reasoning and
help brainstorm ways to improve the situation.
Always let your children know
you believe they can be successful. Such confidence can be contagious.
• Show that you value education
by encouraging homework, and reading, above everything else.
Help your children pick a good
time and place to study. Make sure they have everything they need — materials
and your unconditional support.
