At Pete Price’s October 2008 Dad’s Lunch Meeting, one of the father’s asked Pete Price, O. Henry’s Principal, “What are three recommendations you have for raising early adolescents?”

Below is Pete’s response:

(1) Understand Adolescence.  When you have a decent grasp of what’s going on inside and outside your middle schooler’s body, you can be more tolerant with the erratic behavior they exhibit.  As your child undergoes the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual changes of adolescence, you …

Check your child’s agenda every evening for homework.  The child should have something written for every class, every day, even if it is “No Homework.”

Check your child’s binders regularly.  Make sure there are NO LOOSE PAPERS.  Organization is one of the most significant challenges in middle school.

Reward your student for success.

Set aside at least one (1) hour every night for completing homework.  Make sure you are home with your child during this time.  …