4 Simple Ways to Keep Your Middle School Boy Engaged

Many days you feel light years away from your middle schooler. Things seemed easier when he was in elementary school.

Back then he was motivated to do his homework because school was a new and exciting experience. On the weekends you could keep him entertained by reading a good book for watching one of his favorite movies.

These days it seems like pulling teeth to get him to talk about his school day, let alone figure out what will keep his attention.

Connecting with your preteen doesn’t have to be a struggle.                          

Okay, to be honest it takes effort. This is a time in your son’s like where he’s going through many developmental changes.

From hormones to testing his independence, his mood changes like the weather.

While parenting a young, growing boy isn’t exactly a cake walk there are 4 simple ways you can keep your middle school boy engaged.

Tools of Engagement

1.       Let him move. – Give your son space and time to release his high level of energy. You can help him do this through movement, standing, walking/running, exercising, and participating in outdoor activities. Boys tend to be kinesthetic learners who like to engage in physical activities rather than listening to lectures. Movement is the perfect form of engagement for most young men.

2.       Make it hands-on. – Capture your son’s attention by exposing him to real life activities and/or discussions. This way, he’ll make the connection of between the lessons he’s learning in school with real world experiences.

3.       Reward him. – Offer your son an incentive to motivate him; especially when participating in an activity or performing a task that doesn’t initially interest him. Your reward can be as simple a verbal praise or acknowledgment of a job well done.  Rewards don’t necessarily have to be monetary as long it’s something your son values and looks forward to.

4.       Create healthy competition. – Allow your son to have fun and enjoy friendly competition. This is an effective way to support his development of teamwork and leadership skills while helping to increase confidence in his individual abilities.

Comment and tell us, what’s your biggest challenge with engaging your middle schooler?