As a parent, you want to protect your child at all costs, and therein lies the heartache. Because as much as I want my teens to grow up to be admirable members of society, I must learn to grant them some privacy and allow them to be themselves.
As my daughter experienced being left out of new cliques with friends since birth and “mean girl” drama, I was shocked with what happened among my peers. Despite promises to the contrary, my mom “tribe” were unwilling to intervene.
Take your kids with you to vote, wearing your masks, and standing in line. Teach that it’s a privilege to be part of our political system, and model the importance of treating other people with kindness and respect, even when we disagree. Common decency and courtesy should not be a lost art.
I will not hear the arguing. I will not hear the “you had it last, you put it away” fights I now realize that I am thankful for that.
Meal times at home, bedtime routines, conversations in the car. Any time you can give your middle schooler some space to talk, connect, and just relax -- do it.
This episode is also known as the jackpot of parenting. Hear GREAT tips and encouragements from mothers, who have already walked through the middle school years with their kiddos.
Here are some of the top favorites in our house when we need to divert from devices. These are great for both your young adult and adults in the family.