The middle and high school years are a challenging and sometimes frustrating time of transition as students struggle to cope with the physical and emotional changes of adolescence. It is a critical time because many of the personal and educational decisions students are making can have a serious impact on their future. Adolescents struggle with issues of authority, increased freedom, and changing family and peer relationships. These challenges can become opportunities for parent and family interaction and involvement.

Here are some tips for parents of middle/high school students:

• Schedule Daily Homework Time. Set aside time each day for your child to complete schoolwork. Time spent on homework is directly related to achievement. Provide a quiet, well-lighted place for study by cutting off all electronics especially discouraging cell phone use during work time. Encourage your child's efforts and be available for questions. Review their work and spend time discussing what he/she has learned. 

• Communicate with your child’s school. Don't wait for the school to let you know how and what your child is doing. Stay aware of what your children are learning, what their assignments are, and how they are doing. There is less communication in middle school directed from the teachers compared to elementary school. Make a point of visiting the school and talking with teachers. If you can't visit, schedule a phone call or quick email. Don't wait until there is a problem. Parents who are consistently informed about their children's progress contribute to higher achievement. The partnership between parents and teachers is key to creating a climate at home and at school conducive to learning. You can set up TxConnect alerts to make this an easier task for you. 

• Encourage Self Advocacy. Students are learning the very important life skill of self advocacy during this stage. Encouraging students to ask teachers for help or clarification on classroom issues, or resolving conflicts with peers without a parent swooping in to save them will allow teenagers to grow in independence. There will be bumps along the way, but students with parents who encourage self advocacy are more successful in the long run. Student's will struggle to learn self responsibility but using self advocacy skills will help them along the way.