MIDDLE SCHOOL SURVIVAL TIPS HOW TO HELP YOUR MIDDLE SCHOOLER

The Middle School Age is Unique Puberty drives it all The limbic brain develops before the relatively undeveloped prefrontal cortex

Who Am I? Time of identity formation Intensely social time - hunger for belonging, community, social status, and emotional closeness Separation from family; peers become more important

MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCIAL ISSUES

YOUR CHILD MIGHT DEAL WITH: Issues with Self Esteem Academic Pressure Drama Temptation Disappointment and Rejection

Issues with Self Esteem Five elementary schools Larger group to compare "Imaginary audience" Trying to find who they "are"

Academic Pressure Managing seven classes and expectations Organization Adapting to different teacher styles Striving for the number, not the knowledge Thinking ahead to high school, SATs, college

Drama Bullying, including cyberbullying In group fighting Social media/cell phones perpetuate drama Anti-social behavior, including aggression and anger

Temptation First time many experiment with substances Peer pressure Curiosity caused by media

Disappointment and Rejection Competitive extra- curricular activities Fewer opportunities for limelight Possibly the first broken heart Not part of their "chosen" group

WHAT IS CTMS DOING? Wolf Strong, etc., building community Counselors - life skills lessons, open door policy, guidance lessons, ad hoc groups Caring relationships with teachers and staff

Variety of school activities Understanding the special social issues of middle schoolers Well designed lessons appropriate for the social and emotional needs of middle schoolers Recognizing and valuing individual students

What Can Parents Do? Keep lines of communication open with positive presuppositions - stay informed Teach self advocacy - find the balance between support and rescue Help her/him find a group outside school Help them say no and be true to themselves

Help him/her explore a wide variety of activities and interests Recognize and value their uniquenesses Continue to instill and talk about your family's core values Find opportunities for him/her to volunteer and serve others MONITOR CELL PHONE AND SOCIAL MEDIA USE

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