Seeking input from parents if middle schoolers

[Anonymous]

I have trepidation about DS transitioning from ES to Middle School. From the wise dcum parents who have been there, done that, what advice can you give to the parents of rising 6th graders.

[Anonymous]

Are there lots of feeder ES to your MS?

DD had a bit of culture shock moving from 6th to MS.

Kids from other schools swear, vape, are sexually active, and dress um, “different?”

Tons of kids (DD claims its more than a third) are into the whole LGTBQI+ fad thing. I doubt all them are actually authentic; it’s just a thing right now.

[Anonymous]

I was nervous too, but my DD has a better social life now in 7th than she did in elementary. She has finally found her people I would advise have your DS sign up for a couple of lunchtime/after school clubs to meet like minded kids.

[Anonymous]

I am a parent of a mschooler and teach middle school. My advice is to keep a close eye on them. It is a difficult stage in their lives. The peer group is very important for them. Most kids do well but some really slip up at this time.

Some kids are very much attracted to negative peers. I have seem some really good kids slip up. Every year, I sit with crying parents over this. I would suggest keep in close contact with their teachers. They will let you know.

Like I said above, most do well.

[Anonymous]

Noticed a few cliques or groups forming.

- emo/ goth/ punk/ whatever you want to call it: they dress mostly in black clothing. And hang out with each other.

- jocks - usually know each other from baseball or soccer.

- “good kids” - the ones in all the advanced classes.

- race groups: they self-segregate, by choice. Not 100%, and it’s nice to see some mixed groups. But the self-segregation thing is sort of sad to me.

[Anonymous]

Another thing: some of the 8th grade boys will be well over 6 feet tall; some with budding mustaches and beards.

Meanwhile there will be kids mixed in who haven’t hit their growth spurt and still look like 4th graders

[Anonymous]

All kids go through it, and the vast majority come out fine.

Does it suck, when hormones are raging through your awkward body? Yes, but it's the same for all of them!

Best part of MS is a) only 3 years and b) when those 3 years are over!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are there lots of feeder ES to your MS?

DD had a bit of culture shock moving from 6th to MS.

Kids from other schools swear, vape, are sexually active, and dress um, “different?”

Tons of kids (DD claims its more than a third) are into the whole LGTBQI+ fad thing. I doubt all them are actually authentic; it’s just a thing right now.

This all rings true for me as well. Your kid will emerge from 8th grade a completely different person than when they went in. This should go without saying, but the transformation was a bit shocking for me nonetheless. It is such a weird and awkward three years.

[Anonymous]

I actually got lucky, as my middle school experience wasn't bad at all. I wished it was way more kid like, because that's where I was in my life, but was a pretty good experience. I don't think 6th grade belongs in MS though.

[Anonymous]

Relax. We worried about the transition and it was fine.

[Anonymous]

They now hold all the responsibility for their work/grades. Larla's teacher isn't going to reach out to Mom if Larla gets a 60 on a test. Larla will need to meet with the teacher for a re-take/extra credit on their own initiative.

Get a good academic planner to track due dates, tests, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Another thing: some of the 8th grade boys will be well over 6 feet tall; some with budding mustaches and beards.

Meanwhile there will be kids mixed in who haven’t hit their growth spurt and still look like 4th graders

+1. It’s shocking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All kids go through it, and the vast majority come out fine.

Does it suck, when hormones are raging through your awkward body? Yes, but it's the same for all of them!

Best part of MS is a) only 3 years and b) when those 3 years are over!

Middle school is 2 years; not 3.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They now hold all the responsibility for their work/grades. Larla's teacher isn't going to reach out to Mom if Larla gets a 60 on a test. Larla will need to meet with the teacher for a re-take/extra credit on their own initiative.

Get a good academic planner to track due dates, tests, etc.

+1

There is a lot less “hand holding” in MS.

Which puts a greater burden on you as the parent to track what’s going on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All kids go through it, and the vast majority come out fine.

Does it suck, when hormones are raging through your awkward body? Yes, but it's the same for all of them!

Best part of MS is a) only 3 years and b) when those 3 years are over!

Middle school is 2 years; not 3.

DP. It’s three where I live.