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Preparing your child for the transition from elementary school to middle school can be an exhausting process.  Preparing your child for the expected can help to lessen their nervousness and anxiety about attending a new school. 

As a psychologist, I have come to understand more about Generalized Anxiety Disorders and how they influence children. One particular concern I often hear with children is how best to adjust to new routines and environments. Preparing for middle school can be challenging. I have provided some suggestions to help ease the adjustment. Jennifer Lunder’s, article,

Lunder offers these helpful suggestions for supporting your child during their middle school years:

1. Help Them Find Their Locker – Make sure your child knows where their locker is at school. If possible, visit the school ahead of time so they can familiarize themselves with the location. It can also be helpful for them to practice opening and closing their lock.

2. Keep Them Organized – Studies show that children who stay organized tend to perform better academically. Lunder recommends that parents take an active role in helping their child stay on top of their work. This might include checking their binders regularly and making sure they keep up with their notebooks and homework.

3. Plot Out Their Days – Many middle school students have trouble navigating their schedules. You can help by visiting the school with them or drawing a map of where each classroom is located. Some students find it useful to attach their schedule to the back of their agenda for easy reference.

4. Encourage Them to Use an Agenda – A daily planner can help your child stay organized. Lunder suggests that parents encourage their children to write down all their assignments. If the school posts homework online, your child might find it helpful to compare their agenda with the online posts. Stay involved by periodically checking their agenda.

5. Check In with Them – If you notice your child struggling, it’s important to talk to them about any concerns you may have. Lunder points out that children often feel like they should handle problems on their own, so checking in regularly can help them open up. Parents may also find it helpful to stay connected with teachers, counselors, and coaches.

6. Adjusting to New Friends – Lunder explains that middle school is a time when tweens start experimenting with their identities. As a parent, your role becomes less active in managing their social interactions, but you can still support them by listening carefully and encouraging them to talk about their experiences.

7. Parents as a Reflection of Themselves – At this age, children are particularly sensitive to how they’re seen by others. Your behavior around your tween, especially when they're with their friends, can influence how they perceive you. Lunder suggests that children may evaluate everything you do more carefully during this time (Lunder, 2013).