Sixth Grade: A Time of Change

What You Need to Know

You are right to be concerned about whether the crowd your child has chosen is the “right” one, since the friends your child chooses now are likely to remain a force in high school years. To your child, the “right” crowd will be one that promises the most advancement toward the social status of “cool” he aspires to. To you, the “right” crowd means one that aligns itself with the values of your family and won't get your child into trouble, will support your child in a healthy manner, and will help your child build healthy self-esteem. 

In any case, the crowd he chooses will never do as a full substitute for you, your loving support, and your shrewd guidance: 

• Rules provide structure, and it is important that they are fair. Consider negotiating and compromising on matters like curfew, clothing, and hairstyles. Save your energy for more important issues, such as academics and “the birds and the bees.” When you do pick your battles, be prepared to show your child enough respect to offer reasons for your position. Your child is not totally irrational, and sound reasoning makes more sense than, “Because I said so,” even when they don't agree. Children are less likely to involve themselves with problem peers when parents are supportive, and will sometimes even use your rules to help say no to friends, even after arguing about the rules at home. (Aren't you proud?)
• Your child is extremely interested in learning about people outside his own family, but it's not a rejection of you, even as they want to spend less and less time together. The best thing you can do meanwhile is be a healthy role model, even while you think your child is paying you no attention – believe it or not, research indicates that you're still more influential to your child than peers or media. 

Mistakes that will concern you and decisions that will make you proud both lie ahead. Encourage and praise the latter, to keep them coming and foster healthy self esteem. 

http://www.education.com/reference/article/Sixth-grade-time-change/