Common Discipline Problems of
Middle Schoolers and How to Solve Them

Middle schoolers are so challenging (and fascinating) because they straddle two worlds. In one, they’re still children, so they need enormous amounts of love, support and attention. In the other, they’re becoming teenagers—which means they also seek independence and room to mature. That is why middle schoolers are more in need of guidance and discipline than ever before. This Parent Guide will help you map your course through these important years to help your child be successful in school…and life. It will also help you strengthen your relationship with him/her so that you start out on a positive footing for the teen years ahead.

The most common middle school-related discipline issues are outlined along with ideas for handling them. Topics and strategies covered include: arguing, chores, homework headaches, moodiness, independence, natural and logical consequences, staying connected but giving your middle schooler her needed space, TV/computer rules, drugs/alcohol prevention ideas and serious behavior problems. In addition to suggestions from the experts, the guide provides anecdotal accounts for what works for parents of well-behaved kids. And if you ever reach your wit’s end, it provides suggestions for working with teachers, counselors and administrators at your child’s school and seeking professional help.