Tips for parents!Tips for parents!

Having a child in middle school can be tough! It is a time of change and transformation for you child in many different ways. Keeping up with all of these changes can be difficult. Below are 10 tips for you to help your child stay on the right track!

1. Attend open house and fall conferences-attending these parent gatherings is a great way to meet your student’s teachers and the staff that they work with on a daily basis. You can also get a feel for the layout of the building and learn the expectations at school for your student when attending these events.
2. Help your student develop time management skills-as your student grows academically, so do their academic demands. Homework and required reading typically increases throughout their journey through middle school and helping them learning how to manage their time will not only help them now, but when they are in high school as well.
3. Access the Infinite Campus Parent Portal (there is even an app!)-this portal allows you to view your student’s grades and attendance (Every Wildcat Every Day!). You can stay on top of how your student is doing with the push of a few buttons! You will even be able to see if your student is missing any of their work. This is a great tool to work with the school to ensure that your student is on the right track. If you need help with the Infinit Campus Parent Portal, please contact our parent liaison, Lourdes Raices at 630-299-8391  or lraices@d131.org
4. Contact your student’s teachers-communicate is key. If you have any questions or concerns about your student while they are at school it is always a good idea to contact their teachers. If needed an appointment can be set up so that you can meet with your student’s teachers to discuss any questions or concerns in person. You can find a staff directory for Waldo Middle School here
5. Develop routines for before and after school-kids often say they hate structure and routine, but they typically fall apart without it. This is why we work hard to structure their day when at school. They know where they are supposed to be, when, and what they are supposed to be doing. At home it is also advised to have some sort of structure and routine. What should they be doing before school? What time do they need to wake up? After school, what chores do they have? When and where should they complete homework? What time should they be going to bed? When is their time to have fun/free time? These are all important elements for your student to be successful, so it’s important to make sure they know when they are supposed to be happening.
6. Encourage your student to participate in extracurricular activities and pursue interests-your student is beginning to discover themselves during this developmental period. It’s important that they are given the opportunity to explore new interests. Sometimes they need a bit of encouragement to do so. In addition to the sports and clubs that are offered at Waldo Middle School, activities can be found through the Aurora Public Library as well as the Fox Valley Park District. 
7. Know your student’s friends-who does your student hang out with? Knowing where your student is at all times is important. If you are suspicious of your child or their friends trust your gut. At this developmental period in your child’s life it is better to be safe than sorry. Set clear boundaries and expectations for your child. Talk with them about not using drugs and alcohol or participating in dangerous or illegal activities. Also be clear with them about discipline and stick to your boundaries and expectations.
8. Educate your student about hygiene-during middle school your student will likely start going through puberty. During this time their hygiene needs will change. It is important to equip your student with the knowledge and tools to manage these changes effectively. This means having conversations about showering or bathing daily, having deodorant on hand and ensuring your child knows how to use it, and regularly washing your student’s P.E. uniform (if they haven’t brought it home in a while please encourage them to do so!). 
9. Encourage your student to engage in self-care-middle school is a very stressful time for a lot of students. Having a new larger building, changing classes, using a locker, changing clothes for P.E., increased academic demands, and rapidly changing peer groups are just a few of the stressors that middle school students typically face. It is important that students are able to have some down time to relax, be themselves, and do things that they enjoy. That could be playing video games, spending time with friends, exercising, reading a book, watching T.V. or a movie, listening to music, or sleeping in. Whatever it is that helps your student to recharge their batteries, encourage them to do it! If you think your child is struggling and is need of additional help, please check out these community resources in order to seek professional help.
10. Engage in self-care yourself-being a parent of a middle school student is tough work! It is important that you find time to take care of yourself as well. It is difficult to give your child what they need when you have very little left yourself. Make taking care of yourself a priority, it’s important! You child needs you to take care of yourself, so go out once in a while, spend time with friends of your own, engage in activities that you enjoy as well. It is important to make and take time for yourself so you can recharge your own batteries. If you feel like you are struggling and may need professional help, please feel free to check out these community resources as well. These agencies also work with adults.