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Middle School Blues
Helping Your Preteen Face the Challenges of Junior High
By Sharon Waldrop
Suddenly, preteens are faced with more peer pressure and challenging schoolwork as well as a desire to fit in. It is best if parents are aware of what is happening with their child during this transition period, and Dunning recommends that parents get involved with their children's education.
Anna Schulz of Long Beach, Calif., noticed an increase in her daughter's school reports, projects and long-term assignments once she entered junior high. "My daughter competes heavily in gymnastics and works out in the gym five days a week, so time is very crucial for her when trying to get through homework," Schulz says. She made arrangements for her daughter to receive her homework assignments for the next week on the Friday prior, which enables the gymnast to do some of her assignments over the weekend, thus decreasing her frustration.
Talking and listening to your children on a daily basis is important, and Dunning suggests parents keep the lines of communication open.
"It is also necessary for a parent to observe their children's behavior, mannerisms, eating habits and sleeping habits to make sure their children are adjusting well," Dunning says.
"I found that my daughter needed more rest and to spend more time reading fun-for-her books," Schulz says. "She also started to get headaches that she never had before, which I now see are hormonal. I give her neck massages because that seems to really give her relief."
