There may not be a more difficult time in childhood than middle school. As your child grows more independent and self-reliant, they’re also beginning to face a lot of challenges, confusion, and social pressure, all of which can be incredibly trying on their young minds.
Unfortunately, there’s no real way to hide your child from these upheavals without stunting their growth. The trials of the middle school years are essentially a rite of passage.
However, if you want to send your child to their Montessori middle school as well-equipped as they can be, you can strive to give them one thing: self-esteem. Read on to learn why.
1. Your Child Is Becoming More Independent
As your child moves into their middle school years, their desire for independence is only going to grow. You’ll be asked to let them out into the world with increasing frequency, and this means you won’t necessarily be there to protect them against bullying, peer pressure, or any other dangers that come with that age.
The best thing you can do to ensure that they’re making good decisions and staying safe is to try to give them the self-esteem they need to say “no” to peer pressure and not allow harassment from bullies to affect them.
2. Self-Esteem Is Directly Connected to Academic Performance
Perhaps the most tangible effect of high self-esteem is the way it can help your child get good grades.
If a student has a sense of confidence and self-worth, they are far more likely to perform well in school. Conversely, a student who has low self-esteem is likely to presume they’re inadequate. This can be detrimental not only to their grades but also to their motivation.
3. Self-Esteem Has a Direct Impact on Your Child Making Connections with Others
Socializing is a tremendous aspect of middle school, and it’s one that many parents have only a peripheral sense of when it comes to their kids. You can do your best to be involved and aware of your child’s social life, but there will always be things you don’t know.
This can be particularly hard for parents if their child seems to be struggling to make connections.
While middle school students are past the age where you can step in and help them make friends, boosting your child’s self-esteem can go a long way toward giving your child the tools to make meaningful connections.
4. Mental Health Struggles Can Begin in Middle School
As your child is thrust into a new and more challenging social and educational world while simultaneously beginning the physical transformation from adolescent to adult, life can be a lot for them to handle.
Middle school students have all kinds of new kinds of thoughts and feelings that can be difficult for them to express.
Boosting your child’s self-esteem may not ensure that they won’t experience mental health struggles, but it can certainly give them the confidence to reach out for help when they need it.
Interested in Montessori Middle Schools?
The Montessori Charter School of Flagstaff helps your child develop and strengthen the skills needed to have a rich, fulfilling life. Reach out today to learn more.