The Middle School Parent Resource

Show #211 – “Quick! What does KUTGW mean?”

Today’s headline in the Life and Style section of the Wall Street Journal brought focus to texting and its effect on mainstream society. Although Stephanie Raposo’s article looks at the texting trend among businesses there is a significant section dedicated to parents. Brush up on your text-speak at either www.netlingo.com or www.teenchatdecoder.com. With over 2000 acronyms currently in use, you may need a cheat sheet to decode your child’s next attempt at communication.

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 #87- "What do computers, chainsaws and gasoline have in common?”

Would you give your child a chainsaw or a gallon of gasoline with a book of matches? The obvious answer, “No!” Yet, kids today spend most of their computer time unsupervised, leaving them at risk for a host of questionable content. What’s the answer? I don’t have one, but I do have a few ideas focused on responsible computer use in your home.

Are you wondering about something specific? What question do you hope I will answer about the middle school years?  Send in your questions. Many of the topics I talk about come directly from viewers. You can either add questions in the comments section below or send them to me directly at joe@thinking-forward.com

Show #18 - "Is your child spending too much time online?"

Do you see the back of your child's head more than his face? How much time should your child spend in front of a computer screen? Today's show focuses on identifying how middle schoolers use computers, and creating a set of realistic expectations for computer use at home.


If you are having trouble viewing the video above click here to see it in quicktime format.

Are you wondering about something specific? What question do you hope I will answer about the middle school years?  Send in your questions. Many of the topics I talk about come directly from viewers. You can either add questions in the comments section below or send them to me directly at joe@thinking-forward.com

Show #13 - "MySpace, Facebook - talking to your child about privacy and staying safe online"

MySpace and Facebook capture the interest of kids and parents alike during the middle school years. If you thought learning a foreign language was tough today's technology will really challenge you. Don't get caught up in what you don't know about the internet. Keep the conversation focused on keeping your child safe by talking about privacy. Today I share 5 action steps for keeping your child safe online and how to talk about privacy issues

If you are having trouble viewing the video above click here to see it in quicktime format.

Are you wondering about something specific? What question do you hope I will answer about the middle school years?  Send in your questions. Many of the topics I talk about come directly from viewers. You can either add questions in the comments section below or send them to me directly at joe@thinking-forward.com