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Middle school is a time in children's lives when they experience tremendous changes: physically, emotionally, and socially. It is a very vulnerable stage when children are exposed to risky behaviors, intense peer pressure, and a possible academic decline. Parents need to be aware of the issues and challenges that their children face so that they can help to solve problems in a proactive manner. When parents work closely with school personnel, young adolescents are guided more effectively.
The author, who has worked as a middle school counselor, reveals actual problems that a school counselor might encounter among students and provides vignettes of student situations and conversations with parents. She provides many suggestions to help parents establish boundaries for their children and give guidance as they navigate the troubled waters of early adolescence. She stresses that parents who are informed about the problems their children will face can better help them deal with the issues.
List of contents
Who Is a Middle School Child?
Adjustment to Sixth Grade
Boys' Challenges
Girls' Challenges
The Power of the Peer Group: Clothes, Bullies, Drugs
School Achievement
How to Communicate with Teachers
Outside Interests and Positive Identity
The Sexual Messages in Our Society
Effective Communication
Boundaries, Limits, Expectations, and Consequences
Development and the Passage of Time
Special Needs Children
Sibling Conflict
Violence in Schools
Entertain Me Now!
More about Sex
You Are a Parent, Not a Friend
Can Middle School Students Be Stressed?
Accepting Your Child
Reflections of Ninth Graders about Middle School
The Effects of Divorce on Middle School Children
Step Parenting Can Work, Or It Can Be a Disaster
The Importance of Early and Continuous Career Exploration
After Middle School--High School Is Different
Resilience
The Power of Family Love
Bibliography
Index
About the author
Eileen Bernstein
Summary
When parents work closely with school personnel, young adolescents are guided more effectively. The author, who has worked as a middle school counselor, reveals actual problems that a school counselor might encounter among students and provides vignettes of student situations and conversations with parents.
