Meridian Middle School Counseling
Middle School Communication
Strategies for Parents
When they are little, everything they do is cute, you hug and kiss them endlessley and the best part is they reciprocate. In fact, when they are little, they don't ever want you to leave and are often excited upon your return. Then you blink and standing before you is a teenager. By all accounts, they are hardly recognizable. They may wear strange fashions, listen to loud music and give you one word answers. Cuddlers no longer, they often avoid you and once in a blue moon they may even seek out your attention. Trying to buld and maintain a relationship with your middle schooler is crucial to suviiving the tumultous teen years. In order to do so, it requires consistentcy, encouragement, and communication on your part. Most importantly, it requires you to never give up.
Here are some tips for engaging in postitive communication that may work with your middle schooler.
1. Look for opportunites to connect with your child. The best time to do this is in the car, or when you are simply hanging out. Keep it simple. Be aware that often at this age the direct approach,"I think we should talk" often puts kids on the defense.
2. Be a source of encouragement. Instead of focusing on everything that they are doing wrong -- acknowledge what they are doing right.
3. Be a consistent presence in your child's life. Sure they may try to push you away, but that doesn't mean they want you to disappear. They are counting on you being there, regardless of what they say - - they need you.
4. Be tuned into your child's mood. Pueberty is hard, hormones are raging and moods fluctuate rapidly. Allow time and space when it is needed. Sometimes the best remedy is to be a consistent presence in your middle schoolers life. Be the person that sits down on the couch next to them and says, "I am so glad you are my kid!" You may be surprised at how much they are willing to share, when they sense your unconditional love and support.
5. Keep things in perspective. Middle School can be challenging for the entire family but it doesn't last forever. Try to laugh and laugh often. Middle School will be over before you know it.
