While middle school is a time of burgeoning independence, parents need to stay involved, at least until their student shows he can manage his own workload. Help your student by creating a routine and habit of the parent checking in with their child each day to review their homework and their projects.

Have them check daily to ensure their child has completed his work and packed it in his backpack or binder. When the student returns from school, make sure he’s turned it in.

For most kids, these daily checks will become habits before long and the parent will be able to relinquish the responsibility.

I took the month of August off, but now I’m gearing up to send my kids back to school next week. I’m devoting the month of September blog posts to tips on transitioning back to school.

Parents need help organizing their children’s school activities and their homework (typically middle school students who have ADD). The challenges of transitioning from one teacher in elementary school to many teachers in middle school often takes students and parents by surprise. 

Many students lack the organizational tools necessary to handle the multiple classes, assignments, projects, teaching methods, and expectations. This all leads to a breakdown in study skills, lower grades, and increased tension between parents and children.

What’s a parent to do? Don’t panic! In my upcoming blog posts I will offer simple tips to help your student develop the organizational skills he’ll need to succeed in middle school, and in life. 

Updated – August 2015
For more back to school organizing tips see:
post 2 – Parents Stay Involved
post 3 – Make Homework Routine
post 4 – Use Tools Wisely
post 5 – Teach Time Management
post 6 – Teach Project Management
post 7 – Help Them Find Their Method