The Middle School Parent Resource

Show #191 - "Cyberbullying and middle school, parents often don't know"

This past spring a parent shared her son’s cyberbullying story with me. Unlike the bullying we grew accustomed to a generation ago, where an older physically imposing boy was seen beating a younger one on the playground, today’s bullying often takes place in cyberspace. Leaving the school grounds for the safety of a child’s home no longer provides refuge from the onslaught of text messages and voicemails that today’s bullies have grown accustomed to using. Today’s show looks at how to spot cyberbullying in your home and the first action step you can take to bring it to an end.

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 #190– “Does your middle schooler have potential?”

Although your high school physics teacher may have implied that a ball has the potential to move across the floor, the word “potential” doesn’t hold much meaning when it comes to describing a child’s ability to succeed. Unlike the ball that required your effort to spring to life a child cannot be pushed to reach her true potential unless she truly desires the destination (life, goal, pursuit). Parents do however, have the ability to create opportunities that may ignite the energy (potential) within their children.

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 #189– “How often do you see your middle schooler?”

Do you see your kids less today than you did five years ago? Yes, is the answer most people give when I ask this question at parent education events. With the exception of parents with kids under 5 or those with recent post-college arrivals, we see less of our kids as they grow older. So what? Today’s show answers the question and why it’s important to consider.

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 #188– “What do middle school and college have in common?”

The inspiration for today’s show came while visiting my alma mater (UC Santa Barbara). Given the quantity of kids applying to schools today you might think that middle school would be the time to start setting your sights on a specific school. Today’s show presents two better options.

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 #187– “Parenting Gifted Athletes”

So you think your child may be a gifted athlete? Today’s show is for you. Gifted athletes like the professional soccer player I shared lunch with today, possess three common characteristics. If you are still left wondering whether your child may be headed toward a future in sports let me know. I would love to talk with you.

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