Try to be available by phone or in person right after school. It’s often when kids are most ready to talk.
At bedtime tonight, tell a story about yourself at your child’s age.
Has it been a hard week at school for your child? Do something together this evening or make fun plans for the weekend.
Establish or reestablish a morning routine that works for your family.
“Because I said so!” is frustrating for middle schoolers to hear. Explain your reasoning.
When your child dawdles, set a timer. Say, “Try to finish before it rings.”
Look for a skill you and your child can learn together. It’s a fun way to get to know your child on a new level.
Talk with your child about mistakes. What are some ways people can learn from their mistakes?
Teach your child: “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
Suggest a book to your child in which the main character is a positive role model.
Is your child shy? Encourage your student to seek out someone who looks ill at ease and start up a friendly conversation.
Let your child make choices about what to wear (within reasonable limits).
Choose a number from 1-12. How many things can your child think of that come in that number?
If your child wants to talk at an inconvenient moment, schedule a time to talk later—and be sure to follow through.
Turn over a self-care responsibility you’ve previously done for your child. Present it as a positive step.
Have your child make a step-by-step plan to reach a New Year’s goal.
Put your child in charge of taking photos at a family event.
Suggest that your child write a portion of your family’s year-end letter to send to family and friends.
Learn the sign language alphabet with your child. Use it to help practice spelling words.
Choose a Person of the Week. Help your child learn more about that person.