Parent Perspective

Parents can have a completely different perspective on social skills in middle school. Their perspective may be individualized to their own child. In addition, children can often behave very differently at school than they do while at home.

The parent sees their child "after" the events of social interaction at school. If their child is suffering, the parent is also suffering. When a "social challenge" occurs in the lunchroom, classroom, at an in-school sports event or anywhere at school; it is difficult for a parent to know how to help them. They may tell their child to ignore the situation, contact a teacher, see the dean or counselor or they may choose contact the school themselves. Most importantly, it is difficult for the parent to understand the make-up of the school.

When should a parent intervene? How can parents help their children in middle school? Are parents helping or hurting their children when they try to intervene? These are all on-going questions that should be discussed with an appropriate person at school.

Article on Parental Perspectives
Parental Involvement at the Middle School
Quiz for Parents