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11 Ways to Help Your Middle Schooler Have a Peaceful School Year
An Excerpt from The Kids' Guide to Working Out Conflicts: How to Keep Cool, Stay Safe and Get Along
By Naomi Drew
4. Before school starts, talk about self-care. Ask: "What can you do to best take care of your mind and body so you feel and look your best? Brainstorm together and have her make a list. Guide her to include getting to bed on time, eating a healthy breakfast every morning, avoiding junk food as much as possible, limiting screen time (TV, videos, computer games, e-mailing) and factoring in down-time for relaxing.
5. Teach your child anti-bullying strategies. Unfortunately, bullying is rampant in middle school. Prepare your child by providing some strategies. Help her identify what constitutes bullying and what she can do if bullying takes place. A few simple tips:
- Choose friends who are kind. If someone's cruel or hurtful, that's not a good person to hang out with. Even having one good friend is enough.
- If someone bullies you, stand tall, look the person in the eye, steady your voice and say something like, "I don't need to listen to this." Then walk away with your head held high. If the bullying continues, talk to anadult at home or at school.