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Middle school can be a difficult time for homeschoolers. Your child is not in elementary school anymore and doesn’t need as much handholding, but they are not in high school yet and are not ready to be totally independent in their learning. They want to do things independently, yet they still need some scaffolding in their daily work. They can also be a bit grumpy at times since this age group is typically going through puberty, with all of the hormones and mood swings that accompany it!
Silas in the middle
Middle school can also be a wonderful time for homeschoolers. You have this extra time with your pre-teen and teenager that you would miss out on if they were in public school. You can offer them the help they may need, the one-on-one time that is invaluable for kids of all ages. You can cater to your child’s interests and feed their curiosity about different topics.
7th grade workload
One of the things I always try to remind myself of is that my middle-schoolers are in a big transition stage, not just in school but in life. They are outgrowing many of their childish behaviors and hobbies and at the same time trying to see where they fit in the world of teenagers. They may still have the desire to play with toys or watch shows that are geared toward younger kids while at the same time have no desire to play with their younger siblings or do things with younger friends. They could be asking for their own phones or social media – something you may not be ready to give them.
I try to spend time with him in his environment
Middle school can be tough – both for you and your child! Having plenty of patience and offering grace to your child (even when we think they don’t deserve it) will help you both cope. Take the time to listen to your child, putting away your phone and any other distractions. Allow your child to have small “tantrums”, trying to get to the root of the problem. Discuss ways to handle the larger workload in their school and try to give them as much independence as they can bear without burdening them.
He loves to grill!
Make sure your middle-schooler is getting plenty of sleep! It’s tempting to stay awake late, playing video games or watching a movie. It’s recommended that children ages 6-12 get 9-12 hours of sleep a night, while children ages 13-18 need 8-10. Turning off screens an hour before sleeping also helps your child fall asleep and stay asleep.
Most of all, enjoy this time with your middle-schooler! Play games together, go on fun fieldtrips, and laugh with (and at!) each other often.
What’s your favorite thing about middle school?
This post is part of my series of Middle School Monday!
Link up your “M” posts this week!
