Earlier this year, when my son was completing fifth grade, I was both happy and sad. It felt like the end of an era. Seeing my son and his classmates literally run through the halls one last time before their end of the year assembly nearly brought me to tears. My son was officially leaving elementary school and going to middle school.
Middle school is such a big step. However, I know that now is the time for my husband and I to reinforce the values that we have instilled in him. This is a time for both excitement and anxiety. However, as a family, we will pull together to make this transition easier. We will move forward in this new season strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9).
“Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersover you goest.” (Joshua 1:9 KJV)
Here is our plan for success.
Morning Routine
This summer I have been allowing my son to do his morning routine without much prompting. I feel this is the time to practice being more independent. We will definitely be reinforcing the morning routine and the importance of being on time during the new school year. The morning routine will actually start at night with choosing his outfit and making sure his backpack is prepared. He will also need to make sure his lunch and snacks and water bottle are ready. We will also make sure that there is enough time to eat breakfast and have some time to play a video game or watch a YouTube video.
Time Management/Productivity
This year I bought my son a planner. Now that he is going to middle school, he will have more classes and most likely, more homework. I want him to be able to write down his due dates and stay organized. I also want him to write down other dates that may be important to him such as school dances and field trips. I am going to help him with the planner by adding school holidays and state testing days. I think it is important that he starts learning how to plan so that he can be proactive in life.
We are also going to do a walk through to all of his classes before the school year starts. I am sure that the staff will help students navigate the halls the first few days of school. However, I don’t want him to feel overwhelmed and lost in his new school. I think having a run through of where to go will give him more confidence on the first day, even if he still ends up asking for directions.
Responsibilities
Our son is already a responsible kid that makes good choices. However, now that he is getting older, more temptations will come. We want our son to remember that he is a leader that does not have to follow the crowd. We don’t want him to be afraid to speak up for what is right. I love how my husband reminds my son to be a leader when he goes off to school. We will continue to reinforce who my son is and our expectations. We continue to focus on the following:
- Peer Pressure: Be a leader and don’t follow the crowd.
- Internet Safety: Don’t give out personal information or photos. Report cyberbullying.
- Morality: Say no to things that do not align with your values.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, my husband and I are confident that we have raised a good person thus far. We will spend these next coming years refining our son to become the man that we know he can be. We will support him in every way possible. Whether your child is starting middle school, elementary, high school or college, your children always need your support and guidance. It is important that children know they can talk to their parents about anything, big or small. We will make sure to keep those lines of communication open.
My husband and I will also be in prayer for our son, his safety, and success. We will also be praying for his teachers, classmates, and staff. There is so much going on in the world, and we want to make sure that our son and community are covered in prayer.
If your child is transitioning to a new phase in life, whether it is starting a new school or moving away from home, think of ways that you can support him or her. How can you position your child for success? Will you try some of the things I mentioned or come up with some ideas of your own. Feel free to comment below.
