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Without the presence of real challenge in their lives, kids begin to settle for merely surviving and expect praise for doing it. Focus your praise on acknowledging the effort that comes with challenging achievements.

Progress reports are scheduled to arrive midway through the first academic quarter at most middle schools. Celebrate achievement or take time to review and restate academic expectations for the remaining portion of the quarter.

Removing distractions is the key component to maximizing focus while trying to complete nightly homework. Middle schoolers face a growing load of academic responsibilities that require dedicated time, energy and focus.

Without a plan, middle schoolers and parents find themselves continually frustrated by nightly homework assignments. Use the 3-step system from today’s show for frustration-free evenings.

Where did the time go? It seems like yesterday when he was headed off to kindergarten, and now the bus to middle school whisks him away for most of the day. Jumping into your new role as a middle school parent takes practice.

So you survived day 1 of your middle school year. Congratulations! Now, focus your energy and effort on building a rock solid relationship with each middle school teacher on the schedule.

If you missed the 1st Day Tips show watch it here: http://bit.ly/wuFed. Today I share my top tips for families making the transition back into the new school year.

Candid quotes from New York Magazine in their interviews with today’s middle school children. Two quotes stood out in support of changing a parent’s role from manager to coach during the middle school years.

Three of my top tips for an incredible first day of middle school. Parents need the support as much as the kids so I included three tips for parents too. Congratulations on making the transition to middle school-one of life’s greatest achievements.

Robin Scott, principal at Stafford middle school in Frisco, Texas leads her staff in home visits for each of the school’s incoming sixth grade students.

Three ideas for building solid parent relationships with middle school teachers at Meet the Teachers Night.

Dr. Justin Carter comes back to the show to share his ideas on how parents can anticipate their child’s behavior and then use this information to set realistic expectations for the coming year.

Heading back to school after a summer of fun doesn’t bring a smile to many faces, but the reluctance some children have can cause extreme anxiety. How can parents help the overly anxious child make a smooth transition back into the school year this fall?

Yesterday’s call from a reporter on the topic budget-minded back to school shopping prompted today’s show on the very same topic. With the four top strategies from today’s show you can save time, money and frustration.

Today’s headline in the Life and Style section of the Wall Street Journal brought focus to texting and its effect on mainstream society. Raposo's article has significance for parents as well as businesses.

Making the move to middle school begins the march toward independence for many children. The shift in a parent’s relationship with their child can change dramatically leaving many parents wondering, “Will my child be ok?”

Beginning this Wednesday at 10 am PST (1:00 pm EST) and every Wednesday this month I will interview a variety of experts who will share their top strategies for the back to school transition this year. Each interview will span just 12 minutes of talk time

Skip the anxiety and focus on pure excitement this year with one of our Back to School Starter Kits. Equipped with the right supplies and more importantly, the expertise to use them, your child will hit the ground running on day one.

Joined by my co-host and daughter Jordyn, we take on the topic of planning for an engaging afterschool schedule. Middle school presents a wonderful opportunity for kids to participate in clubs and afterschool events throughout the school year.

Among the many challenging facing middle schoolers and their parents is the traditional, back-to-school shopping excursion. Watch out! Office supplies stores are ready and waiting to sell you anything and everything under the guise that it’s all essential

Today’s show topic comes from one of you. As we move closer to August thoughts of school begin to creep back into the minds of kids and parents alike. Middle school orientation, when done successfully, is a wonderful opportunity for kids to gain a basic introduction to the school campus, the administration, clubs and their class schedule.

Adapting to change can become an overwhelming endeavor during the middle school years. Changes to the academic schedule and social calendar comprise the brunt of what keeps kids (and parents) from enjoying their year.

Highlights from your week, take stock and share

A magical journey through the middle school years

Who have you added to your T.E.A.M.?

How confidence and connection lead to success

Overcoming a Middle Schooler’s worst fear—finding friends”

Ask your child, “What does it take to be successful?”

Parenting Gifted Athletes

Montessori and Middle School

How Camping Keeps Families Connected

Recognition for a Middle Schooler Achieving Greatness

Guest host, Joe Bruzzese talks about the challenges of the middle school years and his new book for parents, A Parents' Guide to the Middle School Years.

How are you staying connected with your child this summer?

Steering Clear of Middle School Parent-Child Confrontation

Study Skills Virtual Summer Camp for Teens from Vanessa Van Petten of radicalparenting.com

New routines and importance of having a plan - Today was the first day of our new summer routine.

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Build a connection with your middle school child