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Every morning as I drop my 12 year old. Son, Isaiah off to school I always wish him a wonderful day. We talk in the car on the way to school and I give positive feedback only. This sets "the mood" for starting his day..on a good note.The biggest thing about children at this age is that they need to feel as if though their voice is being heard. They want to feel accepted by their peers. When I pick him up from school, I always ask my son how his day went. Sometimes kids just want to talk it through and as a parent we listen. Its also important for us to remember as adults, our pre teen kids are going thru hormonal changes and we don't always need to give advice. Some children at this age are responsible enough to make a wiser choice so, sometimes holding back on giving direction is best. I observe and intervene as needed.This allows my son to feel he is capable today making good choices on his own and this also builds good self esteem! You never can go wrong as a parent by simply listening.

Crystal, I agree I do the same thing with my son.Hes 16 years old now. I used to ask him questions, like howed your day go? how was the lunch today and he would just get mad at me so i would just keep quiet and then at dinner he would start talking.Then he would tell me stuff.He was scared of his peers,not school now he homeschools and not afraid anymore. He can still do lots of activitys if he wants and choises when he wants so its nice now but still not sure if it was right or not? Hes doing alot better with his grades then what he was doing!! I dont want him to be afraid but to stand up for himself.I just hope he keeps his head up high and gets a good job! I hope I did the right thing?

@crystal, I would say you did the right thing if his grades are better and hes happier! Public school isnt for everyone and its right if you can recognize that and give him his best chance at education. My only fears would be the social aspect...