Middle school readiness

During the middle school years, children are not known for using great
judgment. They will probably choose a class based on which friends are
in that class before they think about their educational future. Most
schools send enrollment information home in the spring of the year.
Letting your child fill in the classes would probably be a mistake.
Sit down with the child and discuss each class.

Make a list of positive and negatives for each elective class. Even
though they may have limited elective classes at this level of their
education, choosing not to take band in 7th grade could limit the
choices they have in the future. Let the child feel some ownership by
being a partner in the decision-making.

Encourage, maybe even demand, that your child take challenging classes
that fit with their maturity and intelligence level. If your child is
a very good reader and highly motivated, encourage them to take honors
English if it is offered. One note of caution: If your child is an
average or below average reader, don't push them up a notch so they
can become better. This can lead to discouragement, and the child
could start to dislike reading altogether.

Try to be realistic as a parent. If your child is an under-achiever,
challenge them to take a tough class, but draw up a contract with
rewards and consequences for success or failure.

Possible examples for rewards:
One Saturday off (no chores)
Parent to do a child's chore for a week
New computer software
Movie pass
Dinner out
One ride to mall with no complaining
Pay for cell phone for 1 month
Pay for text messaging on cell for one month
Purchase 1 ring tone for cell phone
Any activity of child's choice
*Be creative (non-material things provide longer lasting memories)

Possible examples for consequences:
Added chores
No Video games
Added structured study time
No rides to mall
Limited TV
Grounded from phone
Take cell phone away
Remove text messaging off of cell phone
Early Saturday wake-up
Earlier bedtime

Again, be creative. Try to focus on negative reinforcement (taking
good things away) rather than punishment (giving bad things). This is
less likely to create a barrier. Make sure the consequences have
defined, realistic time lines. Do not threaten what you will not be
able to follow through with, and BY ALL MEANS, FOLLOW THROUGH!