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Does it seem like your child's development is totally unpredictable? It's true: "normal" development for the average middle schooler varies a lot. Some kids are taller, some shorter, some adjust to school more easily than others, and most girls grow faster and mature faster than boys. One year they are easy to get along with, the next year. . . .oh my goodness! One of the biggest jobs your 7th grader has right now is developing close friendships. Learning what real friendship is takes time and energy. . .and takes the child outside the family. That's normal. This is the year children begin to search for faithful relationships, something they'll need to understand, rely on, and be part of for the rest of their lives. Parents can help their 7th graders by simply loving their children. Loved children are healthier, learn better, do better in school, take fewer risks, and turn out to be nice, loveable people who can go on to be successful and resilient adults. They are more likely to have good relationships, to be hired and promoted, and to get help with things go wrong. In addition, parents should make sure their 7th grader is getting enough sleep, healthy food and exercise. A focus on school achievement is also critical at this time. It is important for parents to bring up the topic of schoolwork every day. Make sure your child has a place to study at home. Observe their organizational skills. Is your child aware of assignments and due dates? Does your child have the necessary books and paperwork to complete the assignment at home? Goal setting in the 7th grade can be very helpful in helping your child succeed. The goals need to be personal, simple, and doable, for example:
Life at age 13 can be boring, exciting, frightening, and confusing . . .all at once. It's a time of amazing transitions. The information below gives you a snapshot of where your eighth grader is likely to be:
(The above information is based on Chip Wood, Yardsticks: Children in the Classroom Ages 4-14, 2004, pp.154-157.) When your teen is still in junior high you should start looking at what's ahead in high school. There will be some requirements for math, science, English, social studies, health, physical education, fine arts and practical arts. It's important to refer to the high school graduation requirements. If your child is planning to further his/her education, there will be admission requirements for that institution. Parents have their own transition to make when their children start high school, and staying involved is a big part of the challenge. An absolutely crucial part. Research from the U.S. Department of Education shows that students whose parents stay highly involved with their high school education are much more likely to earn a high school diploma and go on to get technical training or a college degree. Being involved doesn't just mean going to meetings at the school. It means knowing what makes your children tick and taking a true interest in their activities and accomplishments. Learn their favorite subjects and favorite teachers. Discover what they like best about the school and the community. Encourage and praise their efforts. Support their inborn gifts, talents, and abilities.
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