It seems like just yesterday your little girl was headed off to kindergarten. Now it’s time to prepare her for middle school. While you’ve had a few years of experience sending your daughter back to school, middle school is a different beast. Classes and routines are changing, and she’s growing and changing as well.
Your daughter will be switching between classrooms for each subject versus staying in the same room. Having a locker will be a big plus, and she may need to change clothes for PE class this year. There will be numerous opportunities to join various groups and activities, not to mention school dances. Though there will be many changes for your daughter and you, don’t fret. With change comes growth.
Keep reading to learn how to prepare your daughter for middle school.
Table of Contents
1. Clothing
It’s unnecessary to completely change your style when middle school rolls around. However, your little girl might want a more grown-up look — and with your help, you can find the perfect balance. Swap some cotton leggings out for thicker yoga pants, for example. Look for shorts with pockets and trendy jeans. If your child had a growth spurt, check the hem length on shorts and dresses to ensure the proper fit.
Now that she is a preteen, your daughter’s body might also be going through changes. Look for wireless bras and tank tops to wear under her new shirts. This will also be helpful if she has to dress out for PE. It might also be time for more neutral undies, saving the character undies for non-school days.
2. Hygiene Products
Middle school and preteen years inevitably come with changes to your body. The last thing you want is for your daughter to feel embarrassed or betrayed by her body. If your daughter hasn’t already, it’s time to pick a deodorant that works for her. It’s a good idea to also have a travel size in her locker for after PE.
If your child hasn’t had her first menstrual cycle, you should prepare for that, too. Talk with her about what happens and how to handle it if it starts at school. Make sure she has a plan for what to do. And when the situation arises, she’ll know to ask to go to the bathroom and change her feminine hygiene products. Keep a little go-pack in her backpack with items she would need, like pads or other toiletries.
3. Backpacks and Purses
Cool and practical is the name of the game here. Look for a trendy backpack that will hold more homework. Extra pockets for her deodorant, a spare change of clothes, and her pads are a must. You don’t want to pull a notebook or folder from your backpack and accidentally fling out a pad!
To that end, getting your daughter a little purse or small clutch may be helpful. She could keep those more personal items and a little money inside. Finding one that slides in and out of her backpack easily can be very convenient. Let her pick it out. This will give her some autonomy over being responsible for her things.
4. Phones and Smartwatches
Cell phones and at what age to give your child a smartphone can be controversial. Please consider this tip in context with what works for your home. Middle school is often a good time to think about adding a phone. Your child will likely be in more after-school activities, which may mean different pick-up times and schedule conflicts. Having a way to text and call each other might be helpful for everyone.
With middle school often comes more independence, so a phone could also make you both feel safer. Of course, you don’t have to get your 6th grader an iPhone 16. There are many options, including phones with parental features just for kids. If you’re not ready for a phone, there are also several watches with GPS and communication features to consider.
5. Alarm Clock and Planner
To help prepare your child for this next phase in life, it’s time to let them have more responsibility. They are old enough to handle it and they’ll grow in the process. Start letting them wake themselves up for school and be in charge of their morning routine. Get them an alarm clock to practice getting up on their own. This is a life skill that will serve them well into adulthood.
Get them a planner or calendar to start tracking their deadlines and events. Then, they can be responsible for packing their softball uniform or ballet shoes on the mornings when they have practice. This also allows them to double-check for upcoming tests or paper due dates. Of course, your daughter is still young and learning, so your help is important while she navigates this new world.
Going into middle school is a huge change for your daughter. It’s also a big change for you as a parent! Consider some of the tips in this article and you will both feel more prepared. It’s an exciting time watching your child grow into a young woman. Be there with her, give her tools, and watch her soar.