FC2Video

What expectations have you set for your middle schooler's use of technology this summer? How often will he sit in front of the Wii, home computer or ipad? Answers to these and other important questions in today's 2-minute video.

Most conversations between teens and their parents follow a predictable pattern. Parent asks a question and the teen responds with a pre-programmed response

Playing the role of activities director will wear you out. Fire yourself from this position and equip your child with the tools for keeping himself busy this summer.

How soon is too soon to talk about college? Can middle schoolers begin to take steps to prepare for college? What can parents do now to give their kids the option to go to college?

May is busy for you, your child and everyone in your circle. Use the 5-step strategy to make it through the month of May without going crazy. Additional resources: http://www.articlespan.com/article/63643/balancing-your-childs-sports-schedule-with-family-life http://www.baby-first-year.net/reducing-family-stress-your-childs-schedule.html

With expectations from teachers, coaches, parents and friends it's easy to feel worried or stressed as a 6th grader. Learning strategies now for meeting expectations without becoming stressed out is the key.

Middle schoolers think and worry about a lot. The top 10 most asked about topics from middle schoolers. Everything from locker organization to bullying and cyberbullying tips.

Middle school parents across the nation share many of same concerns about peer pressure, self confidence and responsibility. After speaking at schools in four different states this past week I saw parents come together to connect as a group.

Middle and high school parents looking for ways to help their children succeed in school. Create a plan for achieving academically.

Riding the bus to school should be a safe mode of transportation, yet a lot of the bullying reports that come through the sprigeo.com web site have me thinking otherwise.

By this time in the middle or high school year people begin to get overwhelmed with homework and activities. Finding time for friends or just time for yourself can be tough. Create a plan for change.

Stress from school, parents and friends can leave you wide awake at night. Focus on the highlights from your day and you'll be asleep in no time.

Today's video is for you. Three big ideas to help you get rid of the stress in your life and help you feel calm again.

Have you spoken at a school board meeting? Consider bringing your concerns to the next monthly meeting. As a student in the school district you have a voice that's worth hearing.

High school school claims the gun, that injured two, accidentally went off when he dropped his backpack. Accident aside, what why was the gun at school?

Middle schoolers and high schoolers have the Spring break you always wanted. Ask your parents if you can take control of the planning and you will be doing Mom and Dad a big favor.

Over 180,000 kids miss school each day because they don't feel safe. Kids and parents are now reporting safety incidents like bullying, harassment, fighting and other types of unsafe situations through the Sprigeo.com web site.

Feeling unsafe at school or at anytime is unacceptable. The reporting form at sprigeo.com gives youth and parents the chance to tell schools when someone is in an unsafe situation like bullying, fights, drugs or abuse.

Let's give kids a consistent message for how to treat each other and what to do when bullying occurs.

Look for changes in your child's behavior. Bullying signs for elementary and middle school children.

The number one complaint I hear from middle schoolers and teens is that their parents won't stop nagging. Today's 2-step strategy can bring the nagging to an end.

Are your parents bugging you? Has school become challenging? How are your friends treating you?

Tired of dealing with the drama of middle school cliques? Good, try this and enjoy the time you spend with friends who treat you with respect.

Would you like to spend less time on homework? Who wouldn't?! Four steps to cutting your homework time in half.

Focus on what you can do today, this week and this month. The idea of adhering to a new idea, habit or routine takes practice. Start small. Start today.

Is your child being bullied? What are the common signs of bullying? What is your school's anti-bullying program?

Do you feel safe and respected at school? Who do you talk to when people don't treat you with respect? How is your middle school talking about bullying?

Four signs that you are getting too busy and four ways to get rid of your stress.

Watch out for overscheduled days and nights in middle school. Four tips for identifying a busy child and what you can do to help.

Making the transition to middle school is tough for kids and parents. If eye-rolling and OMG have become part of your child's persona then you are in for a treat with this video.

Ever wonder about how you are doing in class, what your grades are or how many homework assignments are missing? Check in with your teachers before the progress report is sent to your parents.

Getting to know your middle school teachers makes a big difference in how well you do in school

When you have an emergency or even a question in middle school, who do you talk to and where do you go?

Spend less time getting homework done in middle school when you get your desk or study area organized at home.

What do you need, where will you find it and how much will it cost. Download the shopping list I'm suggesting before heading out to buy your supplies. Find the list here: http://www.thinking-forward.com/handouts/supplieslist.pdf

There's only two things to remember on day one of middle school.

A revised list of supplies and information for girls starting middle school in 2010.

Has complaining, whining or crying become commonplace in your home? Help your middle schooler learn to use his time, energy and focus to brainstorm solutions to everyday dilemmas.

Will praise harm your child? The short answer, no. Missing out on the opportunity to connect effort with achievement has a greater impact for middle schoolers

Understanding the fun factor involved in a child’s decision-making mindset cuts back on the amount of frustration associated with committing to after-school activities.

Your child’s dreams may be different than your own. Pushing a child to pursue an activity he is not passionate about often leads to resentment, frustration and anxiety (both yours and his).

Picture, plan and promote, a 3-step strategy for keeping your family and middle schooler connected in the new year.

Giving kids the opportunity to problem solve friendship dilemmas and homework issues builds a critical foundation of life skills for success in the future.

Supporting a child's move toward independence means allowing him to take responsibility for his homework. Creating a mechanism for helping him develop independent skills is the challenge

Taking out the trash needs to be done, but do you need your son to do it? When kids hear their parents say, “I need you to…” what they hear is, “Mom wants me to…”.

Two tips for an enjoyable holiday season with your family.

The past two weeks brought me to middle school parents in Las Vegas, NV and then to Maryland where I spoke to parents with kids of all ages. Many of the same concerns. All enthusiastic and passionate about helping their kids.

The past two weeks brought me to middle school parents in Las Vegas, NV and then to Maryland where I spoke to parents with kids of all ages. Many of the same concerns. All enthusiastic and passionate about helping their kids.

A late alarm clock or a few extra taps on the snooze button can set your child back valuable minutes in the morning. Use the strategy from today’s show so that you can hit the ground running tomorrow.

The words, “good job” have become cliché among parents today, following such everyday tasks as getting out of bed and eating breakfast.