Preadolescence is a time of terrific change for kids. Physically, socially and emotionally, the years between 10 and 13 rival the first three years of children's lives in terms of growth. Unfortunately, all this upheaval can leave kids less self-assured and less interested in academics. Studies show that often the grades of once stellar elementary students can take a dip during the first year of middle school.

Parents who remember their own preteen years might be inclined to cut kids some slack. Unfortunately, today's higher learning standards make a vacation from academics in the middle years a luxury students can't afford. Everything about school today - from the courses students must take to the tests they must pass - is more demanding than ever before in the history of New York State or the nation. Indeed, the only way students now can hope to make the mark in high school is to aim high in middle school.

Encouraging the "habit" of learning

Dr. Randy Cale, psychologist and child specialist, says the study habits that kids acquire in middle school can determine - with about 90 percent predictability - the type of future success they'll have in school.

"If you haven't helped instill these habits, then the tendency is to over-parent - e.g., by nagging, constantly reminding them of their responsibilities, even doing work for them - and things tend to fall apart as a result," says Cale.

Making homework magic happen

Since middle school is a time when children crave more independence, Cale suggests that families create policies that shift the responsibility for getting work done to kids themselves. Here's how to go about it:

• Look at what's happening now. Are your children getting down to studying most of the time with no more than a little gentle persuasion, or does the very mention of homework produce a major battle scene? Says Cale, if you are putting forth more effort than your children for their success, then things are not as they should be.
   

• Set up clear rules. Cale advocates a year-round "work first/play later" approach that can be applied not only to homework, but household chores, music lessons, etc. Ideally, this policy should be put in place as early as preschool, says Cale. However, it's never too late to institute it. Start by talking with your children about your expectations and what the consequences will be if they don't meet them. Cale suggests an icebreaker, such as "We have some good news and news you might not like as well. The good news - Dad and I are no longer going to nag you about getting your work done. However, it is now up to you to get your work done before you move on to anything else. We will not take you to soccer practice, there won't be any computer time, you can't talk on the phone, etc., until you have finished all of your homework."
   

• Follow through with consequences. Kids may understand that if they don't take the time to study, they may fail a test. However, few middle schoolers have the maturity to know how their actions now might hurt them once they begin applying for college in five years. Cale recommends an environment that allows for choice, but choice that comes with immediate consequences (i.e., you can do your homework or you can flop in front of the TV; but if you choose the latter, you will come home tomorrow to find the television cable box disconnected).
   

• What you model is key. If you put off projects, take extended coffee breaks or procrastinate in other ways, your kids will notice. Practice what you preach.
   

• Enjoy the free time you've created. Once this approach is up and running, it allows families to focus on more positive pursuits. If you don't have to spend the entire evening fighting over what needs to get done, you may just have time to enjoy a good book, take a walk or bike ride together.

GETTING "ORGANIZED" FOR SCHOOL SUCCESS

Here are some ways parents can help their children develop good organization and time management skills, which are often critical to school success:

• Make sure your children have assignment notebooks. Talk with them about how to use them and why. Suggest they open the notebook at the beginning of each class and leave it on their desk until they have written down the daily homework assignment. Encourage them to review their assignments before leaving school to make sure they bring home the appropriate books and materials.
   

• Have your children use folders or binders to keep track of paperwork for each subject.
   

• Help your children decide on a regular location to do homework; and together, agree upon a set time for them to do assignments.
   

• Have your children keep all their supplies for completing assignments in one place, and make it their responsibility to let you know if they are running low.
   

• Consider a weekly family planning meeting to help everyone get organized for the coming week.

Help them develop a more global perspective.

For children to see the applicability of what they are learning, they have to be able to look beyond themselves at the larger world. You can help by subscribing to local newspapers, setting news sites as the home page on the family computer and talking with your children about relevant current events. You can also watch movies together that deal with current events or other historical topics (the local library is a great resource for these types of recorded materials).

Expose them to future career possibilities.

Use older siblings or family friends as role models, but resist the temptation to compare, particularly if they are struggling academically.

Rather than trying to explain with words how a high school or college curriculum relates to middle school lessons, point to the projects, daily coursework and tests that older children are tackling. If feasible, have your children work at their homework together so that the younger ones can see for themselves what future academics are like. This type of sibling mentoring can be an effective, real-life means of showing the relationship between dedication to schoolwork now and success in the not-too-distant future.