The Middle School Parent Resource

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

Back to School Experts Series - Show recording from Wednesday, August 19th

The recording of yesterday's interviews with experts, Matt Baker and Roger Casterline. Download the individual 15 minutes interviews using the links below.

In Matt Baker is co-founder and executive director of Metropolitan Arts Institute, a 7th-12th grade college preparatory arts charter school in Phoenix, Arizona. He is an active writer, counselor and educator. As Executive Director of Metro Arts he is responsible for the overall direction and development of the school and oversight of all daily operations.

Matt answers the following questions in his interview. Download the 15-minute interview in MP3 format.

1)  How can you get your child mentally prepared to get back into the habit of homework and studying?

2)  How do you get your child excited about going back to school?

3)  How can parents take advantage of summer break to avoid being pressed for time during school year (causing stress on family)?

4)  How do you start off on the right track with your kids to ensure they maintain their grades throughout the year?

5)  How do you get back into a routine so transitioning back to
school is not a struggle?

Roger D. Casterline is the author of, "The IKE Disease."  IKE is a one on one counseling session for teenagers.  For his book Roger drew on his 27 years of experience as a high school guidance counselor, and 10 years as a Special Agent with the FBI.  Roger has been married to his wife, Nicki, for 47 years, and they are both full time authors residing in Florida. 

Roger answers the following questions in his interview. Download the 15-minute interview in MP3 format.

1)  How do you use your gift for work? 

2)  Why is a youngster's life like a piece of pie? 

3) Why is obedience to parents important? 

4) How does, "I wish I knew then what I know now," work for transitioning a student back to school? 

5)  What are some tips for determining a good or bad relationship?

The Big Book of Parenting Solutions, 2 authors and a Principal on live today at 10:00 am PST

Join me today, beginning at 10:00 am PST as I bring three new experts to the show.

From 10:00 - 10:15 am PST join Dr. Michele Borba - educational psychologist - author of 23 books including her latest the Big Book of Parenting Solutions: 101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries, TODAY show contributor - former teacher and Mom of 3 --- Dr. Borba's website is www.micheleborba.com

From 10:20 - 10:35 am PST join parent consultant, Suzy Martyn who has been caring for children-first in the classroom and in her home childcare. As the mother of three daughters she also gained invaluable on-the-job training! Serving as a mentor mom and keynote speaker for MOPS (Mother of Preschoolers) groups and Babies 'R Us, Martyn shares her knowledge and experience with parents all over the United States and beyond.

Finally, from 10:40 - 10:55 am PST join Gail Baker, Director and a cofounder of the Lola Stein Institute in 2003. Gail is currently the Principal of The Toronto Heschel School which she founded with four other educators in 1996. Before The Toronto Heschel School, Gail already had 20 years experience teaching drama, literature and developing curriculum for developmentally diverse children at public and independent schools.

Participants can either call in from a cell phone or lan line, or log-on via their computer from anywhere with an internet connection. A recorded version of the show will be available on the web site Friday.

Call in number:  (646) 716-7230 When prompted dial 21634 (the teleseminar host id)

Internet log on information:  go to www.ThinkingForwardTV.com at any point from 10:20 AM - 11:00 PST (1:00 – 2:00 PM EST) and click on the button that says, “Listen Live – Blog Talk Radio)

Click the "Listen Live" button below to connect via your computer and internet connection. After connecting you can also ask questions in the chat room or join in the conversation if your computer has a microphone.

Alternately, listeners can call in using the phone number below. I look forward to having you join us tomorrow for what is sure to be an inspiring show, chockful of insightful ideas.

Call in number: (646) 716-7230. Enter 21634 when you are asked for the host ID.

Ready for Back to School? Two experts share tips today at 10:20 am PST today

Join me today, beginning at 10:20 am PST as I bring two new experts to the show.

From 10:20 - 10:35 am PST join Matt Baker, co-founder and executive director of Metropolitan Arts Institute, a 7th-12th grade college preparatory arts charter school in Phoenix, Arizona. He is an active writer, counselor and educator. As Executive Director of Metro Arts Matt is responsible for the overall direction and development of the school and oversight of all daily operations.

From 10:40 - 10:55 am PST join Roger D. Casterline, author of "The IKE Disease."  IKE is a one on one counseling session for teenagers. Roger's book draws on his 27 years of experience as a high school guidance counselor, and 10 years as a Special Agent with the FBI.  Roger has been married to his wife, Nicki, for 47 years, and they are both full time authors residing in Florida.

Participants can either call in from a cell phone or lan line, or log-on via their computer from anywhere with an internet connection. A recorded version of the show will be available on the web site Thursday.

Call in number:  (646) 716-7230 When prompted dial 21634 (the teleseminar host id)

Internet log on information:  go to www.ThinkingForwardTV.com at any point from 10:20 AM - 11:00 PST (1:00 – 2:00 PM EST) and click on the button that says, “Listen Live – Blog Talk Radio)

Click the "Listen Live" button below to connect via your computer and internet connection. After connecting you can also ask questions in the chat room or join in the conversation if your computer has a microphone.

Alternately, listeners can call in using the phone number below. I look forward to having you join us tomorrow for what is sure to be an inspiring show, chockful of insightful ideas.

Call in number: (646) 716-7230. Enter 21634 when you are asked for the host ID.