One of the most exciting and scary transitions in life is starting junior high school. Not only is it a new environment and peer group, but also the daily schedule can be much more intense and stressful. For many students in junior high school this is the first time they are assigned lockers--and the first time they are responsible for so much stuff that they need lockers. They have to learn the routine of transferring to a new classroom for each subject as well as functioning in a different peer group in each subject.

Junior high school also just happens to coincide with other stressors in the young students' lives, many related to puberty. Boys are dealing with voice changes, acne, and trying to figure when and how they are supposed to be men. Girls may temporarily be taller than the boys at an age when they are already self-conscience about everything real and imagined about their bodies and images.

To help your child transition into junior high school, talk about the situations and scenarios they are going to face ahead of time. Do I lot of "what would you do if" dialog to get them thinking ahead of time how to positively handle tough situations. Think of questions like: "What if a group of popular/mean/different kids was talking in front of your locker and you needed to get your books quickly or you'd be late for class. How would you approach them to be received nicely and possibly even make friends in the exchange?"

Keep stressors reduced at home as much as possible. Help your student develop a night-before and early morning routine that helps them start the day rested, nourished and prepared. If you have concerns about your child's progress as they maneuver through the first weeks of junior high school, contact the student's teachers to get feedback on what assistance or concentration would be helpful in making sure the student excels. Timely feedback can help your child get back on track before their grades slip.

Finally, remember that junior high school is a time for fun. Don't let your student get bogged down in so much homework and school activities that he or she doesn't have time for plain old play. Junior high school is a transition period that should be equally praised for the new developing adult and the emerging, ever-present child inside.