Work gets harder, requiring more effort on your child’s part. This happens just as social life becomes very important. It can be easy to forget school and focus on friends.

If your child’s grades seem to be slipping, try these ideas:

• Encourage her to work harder in specific areas, such as reading or math. But don’t do the work for her.

• Cut out the extras. After-school activities and time with friends are important. But school must come first. Make an agreement with your child that all studying will be done, and done well, before she gets to play.

• Help her remember what she needs. Middle schoolers are often disorganized and leave needed books at school. Encourage her to write down all assignments and what she needs to complete those assignments.

• Have her check things off the list as she leaves school, and again as she leaves home the next morning.

• Look for one-on-one help if she needs it. Some teachers will see children after school. Some schools have study groups for children who need extra help. Or consider asking a high school or college student to tutor her.

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