what's "cool" or "in" for middle school girls?

[Anonymous]

OP, my kids are too little for me to weigh in on middle school trends, but as someone who moved during the middle school years I want to tell you how lucky your daughter is to have a mom who is worrying about her transition. It's a hard age to move but having a parent who's sensitive to it can really make a difference.

[Anonymous]

OP -- As the parent of a current 8th grade girl at St. Andrew's, I can confirm that there is a wide range of interests/styles. My daughter really doesn't care what's "in" or popular, but I realize she's probably the exception. I agree a smart phone is probably the coolest thing most 8th grade girls would agree on. If you are wisely wary of internet access, does you DD currently have texting capability? That can keep 8th graders endlessly occupied (parentally annoying, but safe) (our daughter also has a hand me down cell phone, but it is true that most kids in 8th grade have much cooler phones)

Other suggestion -- if you daughter is into tennis or other sports, how about something very cool in that domain -- either in terms of gadgets or workout clothes, etc.? Is your daughter into playing an instrument? An upgraded instrument or accessory can be welcome (e.g., if she plays piano maybe she'd like an electric keyboard also?) Since you are moving to a new place, maybe you can offer to do her room up with new framed posters of her favorite heart throbs from movies or rock bands? Another angle -- check the Verizon Center upcoming concerts (Wolftrap too). Nothing can make a teen girl cooler than having gone to see some popular performer in concert

Is there some group activity she would like where she may meet some other kids outside of school? Cooking lessons (don't mean to sound sexist, but ther are some fabulous cooking schools in Bethesda), etc.? I like the idea of a group activity of whatever her interests so she can meet other teens. T

I can't comment on the clothes, skinny pants etc. (I'm on a Dad, and I hate them), but the privates you mentioned do have some dress codes so anything too "mature" may not be something she can wear in school anyway, so think about that. Agree with the other posters that you sound like aa wonderful Mom . Maybe we'll see you at St. Andrew's.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: OP -- As the parent of a current 8th grade girl at St. Andrew's, I can confirm that there is a wide range of interests/styles. My daughter really doesn't care what's "in" or popular, but I realize she's probably the exception. I agree a smart phone is probably the coolest thing most 8th grade girls would agree on. If you are wisely wary of internet access, does you DD currently have texting capability? That can keep 8th graders endlessly occupied (parentally annoying, but safe) (our daughter also has a hand me down cell phone, but it is true that most kids in 8th grade have much cooler phones)

Other suggestion -- if you daughter is into tennis or other sports, how about something very cool in that domain -- either in terms of gadgets or workout clothes, etc.? Is your daughter into playing an instrument? An upgraded instrument or accessory can be welcome (e.g., if she plays piano maybe she'd like an electric keyboard also?) Since you are moving to a new place, maybe you can offer to do her room up with new framed posters of her favorite heart throbs from movies or rock bands? Another angle -- check the Verizon Center upcoming concerts (Wolftrap too). Nothing can make a teen girl cooler than having gone to see some popular performer in concert

Is there some group activity she would like where she may meet some other kids outside of school? Cooking lessons (don't mean to sound sexist, but ther are some fabulous cooking schools in Bethesda), etc.? I like the idea of a group activity of whatever her interests so she can meet other teens. T

I can't comment on the clothes, skinny pants etc. (I'm on a Dad, and I hate them), but the privates you mentioned do have some dress codes so anything too "mature" may not be something she can wear in school anyway, so think about that. Agree with the other posters that you sound like aa wonderful Mom . Maybe we'll see you at St. Andrew's.

CREEPY!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

This thread should be in General Parenting, no??

Good luck, OP!

[Anonymous]

Nordstrom BP Is what the private school girls think is the hippest.

[Anonymous]

OP here - continued thanks for all the great suggestions. If the support on this thread is typical, then we're all in for an easy transition to the area!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: OP -- As the parent of a current 8th grade girl at St. Andrew's, I can confirm that there is a wide range of interests/styles. My daughter really doesn't care what's "in" or popular, but I realize she's probably the exception. I agree a smart phone is probably the coolest thing most 8th grade girls would agree on. If you are wisely wary of internet access, does you DD currently have texting capability? That can keep 8th graders endlessly occupied (parentally annoying, but safe) (our daughter also has a hand me down cell phone, but it is true that most kids in 8th grade have much cooler phones)

Other suggestion -- if you daughter is into tennis or other sports, how about something very cool in that domain -- either in terms of gadgets or workout clothes, etc.? Is your daughter into playing an instrument? An upgraded instrument or accessory can be welcome (e.g., if she plays piano maybe she'd like an electric keyboard also?) Since you are moving to a new place, maybe you can offer to do her room up with new framed posters of her favorite heart throbs from movies or rock bands? Another angle -- check the Verizon Center upcoming concerts (Wolftrap too). Nothing can make a teen girl cooler than having gone to see some popular performer in concert

Is there some group activity she would like where she may meet some other kids outside of school? Cooking lessons (don't mean to sound sexist, but ther are some fabulous cooking schools in Bethesda), etc.? I like the idea of a group activity of whatever her interests so she can meet other teens. T

I can't comment on the clothes, skinny pants etc. (I'm on a Dad, and I hate them), but the privates you mentioned do have some dress codes so anything too "mature" may not be something she can wear in school anyway, so think about that. Agree with the other posters that you sound like aa wonderful Mom . Maybe we'll see you at St. Andrew's.

CREEPY!!!!!!

I'm not the pp, wondering what you find creepy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP here:those Bodycon dresses and tops are really streetwalkerish and no way should a MS girl wear them --but otherwise the suggestions here look great!

Well North Face screams ghetto but that doesn't seem to have stopped the masses from wearing it.

Idiot. Yes, "the masses" being all teens and college kids regardless of race or income. NF was adopted from outdoor enthusiasts anyway, not "ghetto" people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nordstrom BP Is what the private school girls think is the hippest.

Eh, not really. More Forever 21, Delia's, Urban Outfitters, Garage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nordstrom BP Is what the private school girls think is the hippest.

Eh, not really. More Forever 21, Delia's, Urban Outfitters, Garage.

Nott Nordstrom. At my DD's school Anthropologie is considered pretty cool right now.

[Anonymous]

Baby Lips chapstck, Jordans shoes, skinny jeans, and Delia's. Also Northface and polos, varsity jackets