For children going into middle school, there are many anxieties, apprehensions and fears to deal with and overcome. Middle schools are larger than elementary schools, the school work is more difficult and there are more classes, more teachers and more students– all with different expectations and personalities. These transition years also come with new peer challenges, including alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and experimenting with sexual activity. This program will teach parents and educators in learning how to use coaching skills to support your children in making a smooth transition from elementary to middle school and in becoming better informed to make responsible decisions as adults.

Week 1: The Dream: The Stages of Transition and Family Values. There are three stages of transition...the ending, middle and new beginning. Designing a home and family life so that values are not only understood but expressed is a crucial step in guiding a child through transition during the middle years. This class will teach you how to use a highly interactive blueprint to support you in talking with your children about intrinsic, extrinsic and lifestyle values and how to use a simple yet powerful 3-step process for building a positive and trusting relationship with your children so that they develop the confidence, caring, and sense of honor they’ll need to make their way in a morally challenging world.

Week 2: Time Mastery. Do you and your children feel like there is never enough time in day to accomplish all that you want to do? Children not only need to learn how to manage their time during a transition, they also need to learn to use their time wisely for maximum productivity and effectiveness. This class will cover the 7 key strategies for enhancing productivity and maximizing efficiency that will pay off for your child for a lifetime.

Week 3: Interpersonal Relationships. The I-Sight©. Middle School is a time when some kids start experimenting with tobacco, alcohol, drugs and sexual activity. By discussing both the physical and emotional aspects of relationships at an early age, your child will be better informed to make responsible decisions later on. During this class, parents will learn how to best communicate delicate issues with your child by using a tool known as the The I-Sight © Written for children, I-Sight© helps parents and young people become aware, understand, and respect themselves and others while improving communication between children and adults.

Week 4: Character and Leadership Development. Do you know that your children are already huge leaders in the world with the potential for strong character development? It is true...your children are leaders, and others are following them each day. This class will support you as a parent in discovering the tools and resources you and your child will need for strong character development, how to teach your child to say "no" when the peer pressure is on and how to guide your child in the direction of fiscal responsibility for today and the future.

Week 5: Goal Setting and the Personal Skills Inventory. Goal setting using a skills-based approach with your children can drive positive outcomes for them as individuals and for them as leaders in their peer groups and communities. This class will hone in on how to discover your child’s personal and psychological assets and how to cultivate their talents, knowledge, skills and strengths to maximize his or her potential in the world

Week 6: The Mental Game. A child’s body is very much a part of his or her learning, and learning is not an isolated “brain” function. Each nerve and cell is a network contributing to our intelligence and our ability to learn. This class will explore the many simple yet highly effective techniques, including how to use nutrition, music, color, visualization and body techniques, for improving overall concentration and for calming those jitters so often associated with end of grade testing.