The Middle School Parent Resource

Middle School Parents, Build Your Network

Middle school parents across the nation share many of same concerns about peer pressure, self confidence and responsibility. After speaking at schools in four different states this past week I saw parents come together to connect as a group.

 

 

Making new friends in middle school

What do you do when you don't want to hang out with the same friends you had in elementary school?

Looking for answers to a specific question, contact Joe directly, either by email joe@middleschoolyears.com or phone 805-889-2142 for available dates.

Show #197 - "Overcoming a Middle Schooler’s worst fear—finding friends”

Next to failing a class, most kids fear becoming friendless in their transition from elementary to middle school. Today’s show is dedicated to a young guy who sent me an email this past week in which he shared his concern for finding friends in the coming year. Taken directly from chapter one of A Parents’ Guide to the Middle School Years, the three strategies in today’s show are sure to ease the mind of even the most socially anxious 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 #174– “Boy meets girl, drives Dad crazy. Middle School romance.”

Beyond the drama that surrounds middle schooler friendships lays the uncharted, and often treacherous waters of middle school romance. A dad shared his concern with me over his daughter’s sudden interest in boys; an interest that he would like to see tucked away until years later. Alas, middle schoolers find romance at different points along the way. The key is to ready yourself for the conversations that follow. If your last “birds and bees” conversation was a few years ago, now is the time for a refresher. Today’s show guides you through the gauntlet of an often difficult conversation.

Does your middle schooler have you completely confused, frustrated or confused and frustrated? I would love to hear from you? Send me an email with your story. joe@thinking-forward.com

Show #165– “Staying Connected with your Middle Schooler”

Relationships change over time. The connection between parents and kids during the middle school years can change almost overnight. Long walks through the park or a trip to the movies have been replaced by requests for shuttle service to the mall for your child and her friends. New connections develop. Kids develop new friendships and seek advice from other adults in their life. Building a T.E.A.M of supportive adults can be the glue that gets you and your child through the moments whether neither one of you feels like talking. I use T.E.A.M. as an acronym for anyone who has the ability to motivate, encourage, advocate for or motivate your child. The challenge today is to connect with five new T.E.A.M. members during the coming summer months. Today’s show lays the groundwork for building these connections.

Do you have a show idea or question you have wondered about? Send it to me either in an email or leave it in a comment here on the site. joe@thinking-forward.com