1. Organization

Middle school is often the first time students experience the challenge of staying organized. Changing classrooms, managing lockers, dressing down for PE, and increased homework assignments can be difficult for some, and completely overwhelming for other students. The black hole known as a locker seems to swallow assignments and gym shorts alike. Be patient. After all, don't you have a junk drawer at home?

2. Relationships

Relationships formed in elementary school begin to change in middle school. Preteens and young adolescents are beginning to exercise more discretion in their choice of friends and activities. Boys become interested in things other than playing football with their buddies during recess. Girls become interested in boys. Choices about how they spend their free time and who they spend it with can weigh heavily on a student's mind. Your daughter's BFF may steal her crush one week and enlist her help breaking up with the same crush the next.

3. Bodily changes

Middle school students come in all shapes and sizes and those can change very quickly. Students are acutely aware of how they stack up physically to others. A 65-pound sixth grade boy might be intimidated or even fearful of an eighth grader with facial hair and developing deltoid muscles. Girls are either anxious to become a woman or they dread any physical changes that may call attention. Involvement in athletics can help. Encourage your child to participate and then show up to cheer them on. Even a disappointing loss can be softened by the approval of a pleased parent.

4. Emotions

Those bodily changes are accompanied by emotional challenges as well. Don't be surprised if your once even-tempered young lady cries over things you think shouldn't matter. Be patient. She probably doesn't understand why she is crying, either. Boys might find themselves reacting irrationally as well. Trying to determine where they fit socially, the middle school student may feel caught in the middle, "I am not a child in elementary, nor am I a young adult either."� Their emotions are trying to catch up with their brains and changing bodies. One minute they need their parents, the next they can't stand them. It can be a very hard time for everyone.

5. Technology

Youth today are faced with challenges their parents were not. They are curious and have access to lots of information. Some of it is valuable and some is incorrect. Be sure to communicate your values about sex, drugs and alcohol to your children. Be open enough that they can approach you with their concerns. Social media and chat rooms can be fun and entertaining, however, they are also a playground for bullies. Rumors that once took a few days to develop, spread at lightning speed over the Internet. Keep online access in an open area of your home to allow for monitoring, both to help your child with bullying situations and to monitor other activities such as music, videos, and potential predators.

6. Home should be a haven

If your home is not a safe haven, fix it. Your child is experiencing so many physical, emotional and social changes that they need something steady. A stable home environment where they can feel safe and sure might be the one thing that gets them through this challenging time.

7. Have fun

At times it may feel as if you are all on a roller coaster, but roller coaster rides don't last for long, and they can be fun. Remember to take time to enjoy your youngster. This awkward, quirky stage won't last forever. He will soon be driving a car and moving closer to independence and further from your grasp.

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Go for paper, not gold

First off, understand that not every child is a future Olympian. In fact, most will never compete at the collegiate level. Do not sacrifice academics for athletics. Sports supplement an education in that they add variety and physical activity to a student's day. Athletic participation promotes healthy habits and can boost a child's self-esteem. However, in the long run, solid academic performance will be the greater achievement.

Keep order on the court

Remember that the coach knows more about coaching than you do. You, however, know your child better. It is a good idea to develop a good relationship with the person who will be teaching your child. The coach is not the enemy! You may have occasion to lend insight regarding motivation that works or does not work with your child, but that does not mean that it's your place to countermand the coach's decisions. If you have a positive relationship with the coach, he will be more inclined to listen to your input.

Take one for the team

There is great value in teamwork. Athletes learn many life lessons and coping skills through team sports. On the other hand, there is much to be said for individual achievement. Sports such as wrestling, track, and tennis allow your athlete to perform alone. Learning to be accountable for his successes and failures will help him deal with individual challenges later in life.

Eat like an athlete

Nutrition is vital for any active child, but specific needs vary greatly depending upon the athlete. I had three runners. One required a lighter diet that was easy on the stomach on race days. Another ran long-distance and needed far more calories to keep him going. The third had enough reserves that he could get away with a lighter diet during competition but preferred heavier meals. All of them needed hydration. Athletes need a lot of fluids.

Brush up on first-aid

Pain can be scary for a young athlete, but isn't always a reason to panic. Most often, pain is a sign that body parts are being challenged and strengthened. Carry your own athletic tape, ice packs and pain relievers to help your child deal with the minor aches associated with sports activity. On the other hand, sometimes pain is an indication of a serious sports injury. Consult your family physician to help you determine when to seek special medical care.

Give a shoulder to cry on

Even the best athletes have moments of despair. Some days will make your child doubt his abilities. When your child comes home from practice and wants to quit, it's your job to be supportive and understanding. Feed his confidence and nurture his desire to excel. Remind him that greatness takes time. Never berate your child for poor performance. No trophy is worth ruining your relationship over.

Remember, it should be fun

Above all, don't be afraid to let your child change course. If your athlete wants to explore other sports such as soccer or cross country, let him give it a try. As a parent, you are equipped to help your child make the best choice. Listen to your heart and listen to your child, then support him in his efforts. Remember, your child is interested in sports so that he can improve himself and have a good time, not so that his parents can relive their own glory days.

Get out your pom-poms

Finally, your athlete needs to know you believe he can be a future Olympian! Be your child's biggest fan. When he fails, praise him for being gracious in defeat. When he wins, celebrate. When he does his best, no matter how he stacks up against others, rejoice in his growth. Do this, and your child will have a victory that will last a lifetime.

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