Mentally, emotionally, and physically, middle school can be a challenging time for kids attending private schools in San Fernando Valley. Afterall, this is a transitional period, and they’re going through a lot of changes that might make them feel self-conscious, confused, or unsure of the future that lies ahead. During this time they’re moving out of being a “kid”, and heading quickly towards those teenage years. This in-between time can take its toll on pre-teens, leaving once confident kids unsure of themselves and searching for a bit of reassurance that everything is, and is going to be, okay.
At our private schools in San Fernando Valley, we prioritize growth, building, and encouragement for kids of all ages. Building confidence with middle schoolers has a lot to do with helping young people learn to believe in and love themselves; embracing the kid they are and the young adult they’re on their way to growing into!
For parents facing challenges with their middle schoolers and their confidence, there are some things that can be done to help them to find this reassurance. A few techniques to use are:
- Create a gratitude calendar with them – A gratitude calendar fills each day of the month with 1 positive thing your middle schooler can do for themselves or others in their lives. Activities may include making something for someone, writing down 3 things they love about themselves, learn something new today, or think of something you’ve accomplished lately. This helps middle schoolers to feel good about what they’ve done, what they have, and what they’re capable of.
- Create a vision board with them – Vision boards are fun! They’re craft projects that are a great time for anyone of any age and working with your middle schooler on a self-love vision board can help them to love themselves just a little bit more while you both enjoy quality time. To create a vision board, take a pile of magazines or newspapers and cut out images or words that fit different categories they wish to include on their board. Perhaps they want to visualize their favorite thing about themselves, something they want to accomplish, something that brings them joy, and something they want to learn more about – which will all then be compiled via scissors and a glue stick onto a posterboard of their favorite color.
- Create a compliment jar – Parents know their kids better than anyone else, and they have a million things they could compliment them on! Sometimes middle school kids just need a bit of encouragement, and a compliment jar is an easy way to get it. Write a compliment on a slip of paper and place it into a jar. Your middle schooler can choose a slip of paper each morning before heading out to their private schools in San Fernando Valley, read it to themselves, carry it with them, and remember what makes them wonderful all through the day.