The Middle School Parent Resource

Show #129 – “Book Review – Parenting with an Attitude. Wonderful resource for middle school parents”

I met Ed Wimberly, the author of this book, at the CALM celebrity author’s event a few weeks ago. Ed and I share many of the same ideas on parenting. The easy-to-read format (21 questions in 21 chapters) creates a wonderful reading experience for parents who are looking for ideas on specific topics as well as the reader who wants to pick up the book for a few minutes at a time. You buy a copy of Ed’s book at www.raisinggreatkids.com.

Do you have a show idea or question you have wondered about? Send it to me either in an email or leave it in a comment here on the site. joe@thinking-forward.com

Show #128– “Responsibility- How much should I expect of my middle school child?”

Handing over responsibility to your child for some of life’s everyday choices and activities is a process that takes place over time. The challenge for parents is to gradually let go and allow children to step up to the plate and begin making choices. How can parents help the transition; two words, accountability and consistency. Today’s show takes a closer look at how parents can help their children grow toward independence.

Do you have a show idea or question you have wondered about? Send it to me either in an email or leave it in a comment here on the site. joe@thinking-forward.com

Show #124 – “Too many to-dos on your list? Let ReQall keep track of them for you.”

I love this tool particularly for busy middle school families. The account is free and the benefit—incredible. Go to www.Reqall.com for the details. Imagine driving around in the afterschool hours, toting your kids here, there and everywhere. You have a lot to do and new tasks continue to bombard your brain. A quick call to ReQall from the speed keys on your cell phone and you get 30 seconds to record your list of to-do items. Arrive home to find a transcribed version of your voice waiting in your email inbox. Pure genius!

Do you have a show idea or question you have wondered about? Send it to me either in an email or leave it in a comment here on the site. joe@thinking-forward.com

Show #127 – “Teaching kids to take action rather than whining and crying about what they don’t like”

Kids learn from an early age that whining and crying can be an acceptable response when life becomes uncomfortable. Teaching kids to take action that can change their circumstances is a valuable life skill. Waiting for someone else to change your circumstances strips away progress toward becoming an independent person. Love the topic for today’s show as I hear from parents a lot with questions about how to bring the whining and crying to an end.

Do you have a show idea or question you have wondered about? Send it to me either in an email or leave it in a comment here on the site. joe@thinking-forward.com

Show #126 – “Middle School Orientation and Transition Tips”

Yes, it’s that time again, when parents and kids ready themselves for the transition to middle school. Nevermind the fact that we have a few more months left of the current school year, middle school is busy making arrangements for next year’s arrivals. Class scheduling and orientation meetings will fill the coming months. With the tips from today’s show parents and kids will be well on their way to a smooth transition in the coming year.

Do you have a show idea or question you have wondered about? Send it to me either in an email or leave it in a comment here on the site. joe@thinking-forward.com