Hello Smallville,
I hope that you enjoyed your Labor Day weekend! This week we really got into the groove of things and kicked off some fun classroom activities and our athletic season. As we all know, middle school is one of those time periods where it often feels like a whirlwind of physical, emotional, and social changes happening all at once for our children. It is also a time where they begin to feel invincible, independent, and ready to take on the world. It’s what I love about middle schoolers! They are spontaneous, fun, and thrill seekers, but as a parent of my own seventh grader, I know that it can cause havoc for me emotionally trying to keep up with all of the changes happening at once.
Having worked in the middle school setting now for 18 years, I can tell you that the following tips will definitely help you navigate these three fun years of change.
Foster Open Communication: Encourage them to share their experiences and concerns without fear of judgment or reprimand by being an active listener. Simple questions like "What was the best thing that happened today?" or "What’s something new you learned today?" can open the door to more meaningful conversations.
Encourage Exploration: Middle school is a time when students explore their interests and discover new passions. Support their involvement in extracurricular activities and hobbies, even if they seem fleeting. This exploration helps them build confidence and a sense of identity.
Encourage Self-Reliance and Independent Thinking: Promote problem solving, allow room for mistakes because they will make them, and encourage them to create goals. Offer support and guidance, but allow them to experience the natural consequences of their decisions within a safe and supportive framework.
I hope this helps as we all help our Cougars be successful in everything they want to do! Have a great weekend!
Stay Present Cougars,
Bedford