The Middle School Parent Resource

Holiday Festivity or Frustration - You choose

Cut back on the frustration in the coming weeks as you near one of the year’s most festive occasions. Two tips for an enjoyable holiday season with your family.

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 #231 – Did you connect with your TEAM?

The past two weeks brought me to middle school parents in Las Vegas, NV and then to Maryland where I spoke to parents with kids of all ages. Many of the same concerns. All enthusiastic and passionate about helping their 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 #230 – Friends and Grades, A Middle Schooler’s top 2 challenges

Building and maintaining friendships tops the list of middle school challenges today, followed closely by achieving academic success. The first three chapters of A Parent’s Guide to the Middle School Years provide strategies for overcoming these challenges.

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 #229 –Praise that has value for kids

“Good job” has become cliché among parents today. Ten year olds finishing their dinner and teens who finish their homework on time now garner praise. Without the presence of real challenge in their lives, kids begin to settle for merely surviving and expect praise for doing it. Focus your praise on acknowledging the effort that comes with challenging achievements.

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 #228 – Middle school progress reports, cause for celebration?

Keep your eyes focused on the mailbox for the next few weeks. Progress reports are scheduled to arrive midway through the first academic quarter at most middle schools. Celebrate achievement or take time to review and restate academic expectations for the remaining portion of the quarter.

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