The Middle School Parent Resource

Show #224 – Celebrate every day of your week

“Smile people. It’s Friday.” The dj’s voice on the radio this morning reminded me of the focus we bring to Fridays and the reminder that a celebration is in order. Today’s show offers a few reasons to celebrate as well as different ways to relish in your 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.[email protected]

Show #223 – Middle Schoolers Afterschool Activities

Sue Schellenbarger’s article in yesterday’s Wall Street Journal targeted the need for quality afterschool programs. Although the article focuses on a younger age group of kids, middle school parents face the same monetary drain that traditional afterschool programs can cause. Consider looking at the non-traditional opportunities that connect kids with quality learning experiences without zapping your wallet.

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.[email protected]

Show #222 – Middle Schoolers Achieving Goals

Hurdle the two most common mistakes and move forward toward the achievement of your goals this year in middle school.

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.[email protected]

Show #221 – Middle School locker organization

With the right tools and a little effort you can keep your middle school locker looking organized this year. Tips for buying the right locker supplies and how to use them.

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.[email protected]

Back to School Experts Series - Show recording from Thursday, August 20th

The recording of yesterday's interviews with experts, Michele Borba, Suzy Martyn and Gail Baker. Download the individual 15 minutes interviews using the links below.

Dr. Michele Borba - educational psychologist  and author of 23 books including her latest the Big Book of Parenting Solutions: 101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries. She is a frequent TODAY show contributor, former teacher and Mom of 3. You can learn more about Dr. Borba’s work on her website www.micheleborba.com

Michele answers the following questions in her interview. Download the 15-minute interview in MP3 format.

1. What are the most pressing concerns of kids as the head back to school?

2. What can parents do to help ease those concerns?

3. What if you just moved into the area - or your child doesn't know anyone - any tips to help them make or find new friends?

4. Middle school - new campus - different teachers - has to be a bit stressful for a child - any tips to help a child when they go to middle school for the first time?

For more than 25 years, Suzy Martyn has been caring for children-first in the classroom and in her home childcare, and more recently through her parenting consultation service.

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.

Enjoy the Ride: Tools, Tips, and Inspiration for the Most Common Parenting Challenges (a Mom's Choice Awards Recipient) and Sleep Tight: Help Your Child Attain a Good Night's Rest in Three Days 

Suzy answers the following questions in her interview. Download the 15-minute interview in MP3 format.

1. How do you get your children prepared for getting back into the routine of getting up early in the morning and getting ready for school?

2. How can you keep your children on a routine, even during the summertime?

3. What kinds of things can you do to keep your children's minds fresh during the summer?

4. How can you help to mentally prepare your children for school to start?

5. In terms of getting ready for school, what kinds of responsibilities can your children take on for themselves?

Gail is the Director and a cofounder of the Lola Stein Institute in 2003. Gail is currently 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.

Gail answers the following questions in her interview. Download the 15-minute interview in MP3 format.

1) What do you think is the biggest challenge for students in terms of getting back into the routine of school?

2) What advice would you give students for preparing themselves for September? Parents? Teachers?

3) What sorts of activities would you suggest teachers implement in order to help students make the transition back into the school semester?

4) What can parents do throughout the summer in order to keep their child's mind active?

5) How does the fall curriculum at the Toronto Heschel School reflect the back-to-school transition?