with Shannon Dishman, Head of Middle School, Battle Ground Academy

The start of a new school year can be both exciting and anxiety-inducing, especially for students moving from elementary to middle school. This transition comes with its challenges, but there are several things parents can do to help their children adjust successfully.

Level Up Expectations

Moving from one division to another means increased expectations for students. As parents and educators, one of our goals is to foster independence as students get older. In middle school, a vital part of that journey involves guiding students as they learn to take responsibility for their choices and actions. Middle school is a crucial time for students to learn to advocate for themselves and seek help when needed, whether that’s approaching a teacher when they’re struggling in class or talking to the guidance counselor about a problem. Middle schoolers also need to understand the importance of being prepared for class and the consequences of not doing so.

Develop Organizational Practices.

Organization plays a key role in middle school success. Make sure your children have a consistent homework space in your home, whether that’s the kitchen table or a desk in their rooms. Color-coding subjects can also help students keep track of class materials. For example, using a green folder for science assignments and a green cover for the science textbook helps students keep track of and quickly locate everything they need for a particular class. To make mornings less chaotic, encourage your child to do a little prep work the night before, such as laying out their clothes or packing their backpacks. Designate a specific place to place everything they’ll need the next day—backpack, lunch box, gym bag — so it’s easy to grab on the way out of the door.

Talk About Situations Your Middle Schooler Will Face.

Having conversations about common middle school experiences can help alleviate anxiety and help your child feel more at ease. These conversations might include:

Nerves or anxiety: Everyone gets nervous about the start of something new. Acknowledging that teachers may be a bit nervous at the start of a new year helps to normalize these feelings.
Starting a conversation: Talking to someone they don’t know can be nerve-wracking for some students, so take some time to role-play what that might look like.
Trusting your inner voice: Students need to recognize that their inner voice can be a great source of guidance. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not. Guide your children to listen to their inner voice and reach out to a teacher or authority figure if they find themselves in a situation that feels strange, confusing or scary.
When to leave a conversation: Whether it’s an in-person conversation, a group text or a multiplayer gaming situation, help your children understand when and how to leave a conversation, especially if it’s making them uncomfortable or involves bullying. In some cases, simply leaving the conversation may not be enough because your child becomes a bystander. Empower your student to speak up and identify trusted advisors they can go to for help when simply leaving the conversation may not be enough.

Navigate technology together.

Middle schoolers have access to a wide range of technology, and it's important for parents to stay informed about the latest trends. For younger children, monitor and approve the apps they download. For children of all ages, establish a phone curfew and designate a central location in your home where your children place their phones at night.

Keep the lines of communication open.

Strive to be approachable and supportive, so your middle schooler feels comfortable coming to you for both positive and challenging situations. Take a deep breath, respond calmly, and help your child learn from their mistakes. Avoid the urge to fix everything—discomfort is an important part of the learning process. Nurture open communication with your child’s teachers and fellow parents. If you have a question or concern, don’t hesitate to reach out to the teacher or administration.

Above all, remember that the transition to middle school is a significant milestone in your child's life. By implementing these strategies, you can help them navigate this new chapter with confidence and success.