The Middle School Parent Resource

Show #200 - "A magical journey through the middle school years”

While sitting down for show #1 I remember thinking, “How much content can I really create? How long will the show last?” Now after 200 episodes and countless comments, questions and connections with viewers I’m confident in believing there will be plenty of content for another 200 shows. With nearly 40 million kids entering the middle school years over the next decade I’m confident in the continued importance of the three C’s. Today’s show looks back over the past 200 shows to share stories of confidence, connection and challenge. Looking forward to the days and weeks ahead I anticipate change on the horizon. Look for the addition of more guests and a wider knowledge base on the show.

Also up in the coming weeks, the first look at a new back-to-school pack designed to create a pain-free start to your child’s middle school year. Hold off on your back to school supplies shopping for another week. Look for details about the back-to-school pack in the coming week.

I would love to hear from you. Join the discussion by sending me your questions, comments, ideas and ramblings. The show improves and so does your child's journey through the middle school years, when you contribute.joe@thinking-forward.com

Show #199 - "Who have you added to your T.E.A.M.?”

”It’s not fair,” a parent stated recently in reference to how quickly her kids have grown up. Indeed, all parents struggle with the same dilemma. How do we hang on to the idyllic vision of children for as long as possible? Time marches on, so goes to old cliché and so too will your children continue to grow. The important question that I ask in today’s show is, “Who have you added to your T.E.A.M.?” As your kids continue to grow and grow they will, their lives will be influenced by a multitude of people in both positive and negative ways. Adding a group of teachers, coaches and mentors to your child’s TEAM over the coming years helps to ensure a smooth transition into, through and beyond the middle school years.

I would love to hear from you. Join the discussion by sending me your questions, comments, ideas and ramblings. The show improves and so does your child's journey through the middle school years, when you contribute.joe@thinking-forward.com

Show #198 - "How confidence and connection lead to success”

Interviewing future 8th grader and current entrepreneur Jason was truly a treat. His confidence and ability to articulate ideas would rival most adults. Jason’s business Pencilbugs.com drew my attention when I was searching for middle schoolers as part of my research for an upcoming book. Through a series of conversations culminating in yesterday’s phone interview I learned about the confidence that Jason has developed as a result of growing his business; a confidence that he attributes to his parents and their support of his passion.

I would love to hear from you. Join the discussion by sending me your questions, comments, ideas and ramblings. The show improves and so does your child's journey through the middle school years, when you contribute.joe@thinking-forward.com

Show #197 - "Overcoming a Middle Schooler’s worst fear—finding friends”

Next to failing a class, most kids fear becoming friendless in their transition from elementary to middle school. Today’s show is dedicated to a young guy who sent me an email this past week in which he shared his concern for finding friends in the coming year. Taken directly from chapter one of A Parents’ Guide to the Middle School Years, the three strategies in today’s show are sure to ease the mind of even the most socially anxious kids.

I would love to hear from you. Join the discussion by sending me your questions, comments, ideas and ramblings. The show improves and so does your child's journey through the middle school years, when you contribute.joe@thinking-forward.com

Show #196 - Ask your child, “What does it take to be successful?”

Among the many highlights from my family’s week away were two conversations my wife and I shared with our kids. Both conversations focused around the same topic, but from slightly different angles. While sharing an incredible dinner at the kitchen table in Buca di Peppo my daughter asked, “Why would the cook choose to work in the kitchen if he didn’t love it?” Her question followed a short discussion of how much effort it took to work as a cook in a restaurant. The thought hadn’t crossed her mind that people would go to work doing something they didn’t love doing. Later my son asked, “How do you become a professional baseball player?” My wife and I replied, “You need to love what you do and be really good at playing baseball.” Given the recent show topics and conversations I shared with middle schoolers on the topic of achieving your dreams, the conversations with my own two kids seemed to be an incredible coincidence.

I would love to hear from you. Join the discussion by sending me your questions, comments, ideas and ramblings. The show improves and so does your child's journey through the middle school years, when you contribute.joe@thinking-forward.com