Many parents find early adolescence to be tough going. While your child may do many things that you find objectionable, avoid getting into battles over every issue. If you choose to fight every battle, you are assured of fighting a larger war. This does not mean staying silent, but rather that you reserve your expressions of concern for the issues that really matter to you. Your relationship with your child will call for a mix of tenderness, firmness, understanding, restraint and a sense of humor.
Foster friendships from elementary school.
Even though elementary school friends may now be in different classes or even different schools social activities inside and out of school can provide support while new friendships are being made. Arranging for elementary buddies to go to and from school together also helps the adjustment. Ask your child about expectations. Straighten out unrealistic fears or misconceptions. Sometimes kids are not aware that they may not be with their friends in each class or that each class lasts only around 40 minutes.