Teach your child to make to-do lists and check off finished tasks.
Is your child having a problem at school? Suggest brainstorming about ways to solve it—without your help.
Look for opportunities to compromise with your child.
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.