Middle School Resources

WEBSITES

More coming soon! We take our work seriously – to ensure the resources we pass on are accurate & worthwhile we thoroughly check everything we promote.

PBS’s Inside the Teenage Brain
What’s going on in there? How Science may help to explain the mysteries of the teen years.
An excellent interactive site with video clips, articles, parent resources, tips for parents and additional resources.

ARTICLES

National Geographic – Teenage Brain by David Dobbs
Moody.  Impulsive.  Maddening.
Why do teenagers act the way they do? Viewed through the eyes of evolution, their most exasperating traits may be the key to success as adults.

The Middle / High Years (Steinberg 2011)
Adolescents can be mature one moment and frustratingly immature the next.
The nature of brain development helps explain why.

MATERIALS

Adolescence & Teenage Myths
From our PPSHI Transition Night presentation – for you to save, print, use & remember!

Tips for Parents – Transitioning to Middle/Intermediate School

• Be prepared for a roller coaster ride!

This transition evokes a wide variety of emotions, behaviors and concerns for both children and parents.

• Know what is happening developmentally for your adolescent.

Your child will show a clear desire for more independence.
They can often feel confused because expectations from adults and peers seem at odds.

• Know what to expect academically.

Team structure replaces contained classrooms; your child will have more homework, more long-term assignments and more ownership for academic performance.
Their organizational skills will be tested.

• Get to know your child’s friends!

And how they communicate with each other.
Your child will embrace strong relationships with peers.
Technology such as instant messaging, email, social websites, cell phones & apps become important networking tools, but you still need to set clear limits, boundaries and maintain supervision.
You may consider taking away privileges if your child is not using them appropriately.

• Acknowledge and encourage your adolescent’s need for independence!

You’ll still need to set limits and provide structure as well as enforce rules and consequences.

• Be available to guide and advise your child

But don’t prevent them from feeling life’s uncomfortable situations – that’s how they grow!
Ask questions and listen to your child’s responses.
Help them explore solutions to peer or school problems.

• Keep your sense of humor!

“Oh that is so funny you think you’re wearing THAT!” lol
Remember to have fun with your child.
Spontaneous play and unexpected, shared laughter are great ice breakers when times are tense.

• Love your teen

Inside that sometimes-contentious adolescent is the wondrous child who brought you so much joy.
In just a few years they will suddenly reappear older, wiser and all will be right in your world ♥