The findings of a recently released report indicate that today's students are better prepared for high school than previous generations. That's partly, in my opinion, because schools and parents did a good job of helping middle school students transition to the upper grades, preparing them for the work load they'll face in high school.

Even if your child is just entering middle school, you can begin now to prepare him for high school. Focus on helping your child develop good study habits, and also help him learn how to manage his time and prioritize. Mastering these basics will help a lot down the road.

You can also talk about the upside of high school -- all the clubs, organizations and electives that are offered, as well as internship opportunities, career and college planning resources and the chance of expanding one's social circle. It may seem like high school is far off in the future, but believe me, it will be here before you know it.

For many students, the end of the school year is just around the corner. That means summer vacation and everything that goes with it. Are you ready? If not, below are just a few things to consider marking off your to do list before that very last day of school.

1. If your child is going to middle school in the fall, schedule a tour of the school before school lets out.
2. It's not too late to find a summer camp for your tween, but you may not get your first choice. Get busy!
3. If you're not ready to leave your child home alone, you'll need a back-up plan for when you can't be there. Consider day camps, relatives, older siblings or neighbors as potential babysitters.
4. If you can't take a vacation this year, there's still plenty you can do. Consider a staycation, or another expensive option.
5. Think about how you can encourage your child to read this summer. Consider magazines, graphic novels and book clubs.

Birthday giving has gotten a little more difficult for me in recent years. Tweens don't want you buying clothes for them, and they're beyond a lot of the toys that they loved years ago. So, that really leaves us with two choices: gift cards; and accessories they can put in their room (or locker).

But maybe you've got a few birthday gift ideas that I haven't thought of. What do you buy for tweens on their birthday? Cell phone covers? Concert tickets? Share your thoughts on birthday gifts for the preteen set.

This summer the presidential election will really begin to heat up, with both parties having their conventions and the press turning even more to the fall election.

Don't drop the ball, parents. This event is a learning opportunity for your tween. Be sure you keep your tween abreast of developments, and take the time to explain how our election process works. Personally, I wouldn't trash either of the candidates, that's not my style, but I would point out differences between the two, giving my child wiggle room to make decisions and form opinions on her own. But, that's me.

The point it, by the time November rolls around, your preteen should have a better understanding of how our government works, and how they can play a positive roll in it all.

• Teaching Tweens About Politics