The Middle School Parent Resource

Show #208 – “Back to School Starter Kit Preview”

The first few weeks of middle school bring excitement and anxiety for kids and parents alike. Skip the anxiety and focus on pure excitement this year with one of our Back to School Starter Kits. Equipped with the right supplies and more importantly, the expertise to use them, your child will hit the ground running on day one.

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 #207 – “3 Ways to Ease the Back to School Transition”

Creating a family vision, scheduling your first weekly check-in and constructing a mind map could be three of my top ideas from A Parents’ Guide to the Middle School Years. The back to school transition begins in the weeks leading up to the first official school day. Creating a plan that includes a vision builds the foundation for a confident, connected and challenging year ahead.

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 #206 - "Planning for a middle school extracurricular schedule”

Joined by my co-host and daughter Jordyn, we take on the topic of planning for an engaging afterschool schedule. Middle school presents a wonderful opportunity for kids to participate in clubs and afterschool events throughout the school year. A quick conversation about your child’s interests, prior to the school year, can save you both from months of headache and arguments resulting from an overwhelming or uninspiring afterschool schedule.

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 #205 - "What Back to School Supplies to you need”

Among the many challenging facing middle schoolers and their parents is the traditional, back-to-school shopping excursion. Watch out! Office supplies stores are ready and waiting to sell you anything and everything under the guise that it’s all essential. I took a quick trip through the essential bins and quickly tallied a $65 bill with the majority of my purchases falling into the non-essential category. Today I share my purchases, along with my son and co-host.

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

Three Kinds of Work. Where are you spending your time

Workplace productivity expert Jason Womack ups the challenge by examining the three types of work we do. Where are you spending your time? How can you squeeze more out of less?

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