School and Academics
7th and 8th Grade Reading: What to Expect
In case you were in doubt, your seventh or eighth grader is probably all too happy to remind you: for kids this age, elementary school is definitely over. When your kids say this, of course, they’ll probably be thinking of skateboards and iPods, but in the classroom it’s definitely true, too. ...
7th and 8th Grade Writing: What to Expect
Just about every twelve and thirteen year old still struggles with writing, whether that means ideas, sentence structure, paragraphs, or flat-out wacky spelling. How do you know your kid is on track?
8th Grade Social Studies: What to Expect
Hard to believe, but in most districts itâs true: barely two years after finishing elementary school, your eighth grader is now a âseniorâ of middle school. Teachers hope that this will mean new levels of good citizenship and disciplined work.
How to Write a Letter to a Politician
Is your middle schooler fired up about politics, but disappointed that he's not old enough to take a trip to the polls? Sure, he may be a preteen, but that doesn't mean he lacks the passion to do good in his community. Here's a quick guide on how to write a letter to your local politician:
Social and Emotional
10 Ways to Deal with a Teen that Talks Back
Here are some ways to deal with a teen that talks back and shows disrespect.
Your Middle Schooler's Social Life
Think fifth grade was a bumpy ride? Welcome to middle school, the roller coaster of puberty, peer pressure, and social insecurity. As their bodies change, so do their social interactions: middle schoolers are constantly seeking to assert themselves socially as they look for affirmation in their ...
Middle School Power Struggles
One of the most fun parts of raising children is their love of exploration. As children enter into middle school, one of their favorite things to explore is power: who's got it, how much do they have and how can I get some? Though this may be a difficult exploratory process for you and others in ...
Social Graces: What to Expect From Your Middle Schooler
Education and manners expert Cindy Post Senning says parents play a key role in guiding their children through adolescence to become compassionate and mannerly adults. Post co-authored a book on the subject of teaching manners by age called "The Gift of Good Manners: A Parent’s Guide to Raising ...
Milestones and Development
How to Talk to Your Middle Schooler
Does your middle schooler blame others for her actions? Perhaps she says, "The teacher gave me a D" when she should say, "I didn't check my answers and got a D." Boost your child's sense of responsibility by adding these three words to their daily vocabulary: chose, decide, and pick.
Gender Differences: Middle School
Here is a thorough parenting guide to understanding gender differences in middle school.
How Your Middle Schooler Thinks
Middle schoolers are officially in the realm of the "young adult." Your once little tot is now beginning to look and talk just like a grown-up. But, although your child does think mostly like an adult, there will be some exceptions. So, what are they?
Recent Questions
Our Essential Middle School Gift Guide
Childhood Immunizations
Learn about recommended vaccines and the latest immunization schedules for your child.
Fun Learning Ideas
- Great Gifts for Middle School Grads
- Throw a "Throwback" Graduation Party
- Middle School Summer Reading List
- How to Start Thinking about College ... in Middle School!
- What Happens Over Time To Those Who Bully And Those Who Are Victimized?
- Grammar Lesson: Adjective, Adverb and Prepositional Phrases Review
- Grammar Lesson: Irregular Verbs
- Support Social and Emotional Development - Through Play!
- 10 Ways to Deal with a Teen that Talks Back
- Private School 101
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