One Thing Every Middle School Parent Should Know

It’s weird because I’ve always been excited for him to start each new grade. Kindergarten – you get to learn to read! Third grade – you finally get to be a “big buddy” to younger students! Fifth grade – you get to try band!

But I just can’t get excited about my son starting middle school.

Instead, I feel the opposite. 

When I think of these transition years I think of: cliques, bullies, name brand clothing, intense sports, gossip and heightened academic stress. Then there’s the measuring stick: How does my body compare to others? Why isn’t my skill set as cool as yours?

Mama, do you feel the same way? Apprehension.(Maybe even dread.)

So maybe our experiences aren’t needed to prepare our kids for middle school.

Instead…

We need the wisdom we gained from our experiences to prepare us.

Knowing this one thing can ready us: There is power in viewing the challenges of middle school as opportunities.

If our kids experience rejection, we get to teach them about a God who never rejects them, show them a family who always loves them, and help them seek out beautiful and authentic friendships. If our kids experience big emotions, we get to help them untangle their thoughts and better understand themselves in the process. If they do poorly in school, we get to teach them to persevere, ask for help and reach for resources. We can take all the middle school challenges and transform them into opportunities to help our children learn to deal with life’s inevitable bumps while they are still in the safety of our homes. 

Yes, our kids might be nervous…but they’re ready.

And you know what – with all the knowledge and problem-solving skills we’ve acquired through our experiences… We’re ready too.

Besides, there’s a solid chance we’ll all – parents and kids – sail right through these years. But if not – if it all goes awry – we can always fall back on sitting next to our misbehaving kid in class. After all, that’s proven to have worked in the past. (I mean…not that I’d know…)