Turn your middle schooler into a lifelong reader

Kids who like to read tend to become lifelong bookworms. To encourage your child's love of reading:

Make it easy for him to discover new books. Whether it's a ride to the library or time on your laptop to browse booksellers, offer your child plenty of chances to explore new titles. If he's not sure where to start, give him a nudge. "I heard about this cool book. Let's see if we can find it."
Surround him with words. Of course you should have paperbacks and hardcovers around the house. But don't forget about magazines, newspapers, maps and crossword puzzles.
Follow his lead. Is your middle schooler gushing about an awesome novel he's halfway through? Ask if you can read it next. Letting him introduce you to a book he enjoys will inspire him to keep reading.
Find a reading club. See if your library or local bookstore offers a reading club for preteens. Chatting about books with his peers may make your middle schooler's own love of stories that much stronger.

Reinforcing Learning

Find out how your child learns best and make the most of it

Just as no two kids are exactly alike, no two kids learn in exactly the same way. Instead, they tend to move toward a particular "learning style."

While research shows there are at least eight such styles, the most common include:

Visual learning. Kids who learn visually do best when they can see a lesson. Whether it's looking at charts or watching the teacher draw diagrams, they absorb information with their eyes.
Auditory learning. Some kids can simply hear information and retain it. These "auditory learners" may be able to absorb new knowledge just by listening to a teacher explain a lesson or new concept.
Kinesthetic learning. Kids who prefer hands-on learning do best when they're performing a task. Conducting a science experiment, for example, is a good way for kinesthetic learners to grasp an idea.

Though you might prefer one learning style over another, you can't force your preteen into a certain style. To help your child make the most of the one he leans toward:

Define it. Learn more about learning styles yourself. Then talk to your preteen about what you've found. Ask him to think about his own study habits, and see if it helps him define his learning style.
Embrace it. Once you've figured out your preteen's learning style, find ways for him to use it. For instance, is he an auditory learner? Then hearing you read his notes might be a perfect way for him to prepare for a test.

To teach your middle schooler respect, lead by example

You can always talk to your preteen about respect, but he'll likely grasp the concept more quickly if you show him what it looks like. In other words, teach respect by modeling it! Here's how:

Value your child's opinions. You're the parent and you're in charge. But that doesn't mean you can't let your preteen speak his mind (within reason). Show respect by listening to him.
Take an interest in your child's life. Find out who your preteen's friends are. Ask about what everyone's learning in school. Show your preteen that his daily life matters to you.
Acknowledge your child's maturity. As your child becomes more responsible, make sure your house rules reflect it. Give him chances to earn more freedom.

Reprinted with permission from the December 2009 issue of Parents Still make the difference!® (Middle School Edition) newsletter.