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A Critical Stepping Stone
10 Tips to Help Your Child Breeze Through Middle School
By Kate Midden
Be open and honest with your children, but even more importantly, be accepting. It's vital to be candid with your children about uncomfortable topics like sex, drugs and violence. Share your personal experiences, no matter how painful, and let them know you can relate. They will face these issues much earlier than you expect. You can't protect them but you can arm them – with knowledge and understanding. Know they will make mistakes and decisions you won't agree with, but if you give them the proper tools, they will bounce back.
Familiarize your children with diversity. Teach them to respect and appreciate the differences of others. Introduce them to a variety of people, cultures and ideas so they will approach diversity in an open-minded way. Never let your prejudices intrude upon your child's innocence. Be willing to discuss their questions and concerns openly and honestly.
Teach your children to respect themselves and others. Expose them to a variety of social situations. It's important that they are capable of developing relationships with adults and peers. Teacher-pleasing behaviors and the ability to handle different situations will help them excel in the classroom.
Provide yor children with the required school materials, and teach them the value of organization. Reward them for their efforts. Never assume their teachers will focus on this important skill, but know that your child will suffer without it.