---
title: Tips on Preparing Children for the Transition to Middle School
description: Make sure your child has a smooth transition to middle school with these tips.
---

[Child Care Blog | Horizon Education Centers ](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog)

# [Tips on Preparing Children for the Transition to Middle School](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog/bid/358763/Tips-on-Preparing-Children-for-the-Transition-to-Middle-School)

 Written by [David Smith](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog/author/david-smith) | Fri, Dec 26, 2014 @ 02:30 PM

Concerned about your tween’s transition to middle school? From the scary to the fun, help your adolescent avoid common pitfalls with these tips:

### Head off trouble at the pass.

- Familiarize children with school rules, including dress code.
- Develop a no drama/gossip policy.
- Discuss peer pressure – being forced into things that make you uncomfortable, such as drugs and risky games.
- Deter dating drama, emphasizing having fun, making friends, and learning.
- Curtail gym worries. Let them know others are just as nervous and won’t be paying attention to them.
- Help your child develop problem-solving skills – communicating clearly, asking for help, apologizing, and accepting consequences.

### Help your child choose friends wisely, such as...

- Those they already know.
- Friends living nearby.
- Encouraging openness to new friends (but being aware of troublemakers).
- Joining clubs, sports, and [volunteer](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog/bid/356017/Get-Children-Involved-in-Community-Service-to-Build-Empathy) organizations of like-minded individuals.

### Offer pointers on academic success.

- Staying focused.
- Taking notes.
- Organization.
- Keeping up with [homework](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog/bid/356010/Fast-and-Fun-Homework-Tips-for-Your-Child) and studying.
- Asking questions.
- Avoiding procrastination.
- And whatever else you think may help them.
- Stress the desire for knowledge over straight-A’s.

### Help your child improve.

- Encourage the exploration of interests and development of talents.
- Develop proper hygiene and dress.
- Promote exercise and a [healthy diet](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog/bid/357512/Fast-and-Fun-After-School-Snacks-for-Your-Child%20.).
- Discuss balancing responsibilities with fun.
- Help them learn to let go of the small stuff.

### Develop your child’s confidence.

- Inspire your child to celebrate their uniqueness.
- Encourage conversation over becoming a wallflower.
- Motivate them to be nice – they’ll earn it back!
- Above all, let them know that they are normal!

Still concerned? Don’t be! Horizon Education Centers are here to help your child on their quest into adolescence. [Contact us](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/) today and learn more about how our [programs](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/21st-century-middle-school/) for middle schoolers can help prepare your child for the future.

[View full post](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog/bid/358763/Tips-on-Preparing-Children-for-the-Transition-to-Middle-School)

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