Anonymous wrote:
Seeing two daughters and SILs with kids ages 10-14.5 raising their children in different areas of the DMV, I observe families that are:
- Making family life a priority and their individual interests as a parent are not priority number one
- Being involved in their children’s’ education from the very beginning meaning finding the right day care/preschool programs to provide developmentally appropriate learning environments since both couples work
- Seeking appropriate interventions as tutoring in reading for one, individual counseling on social and communication skills for another in early MS, in-school evaluation on possible LD for another
- Making time to support the school PTO and being aware of the overall school culture and networking with other families with similar interests in general
- Choosing a faith community with a positive family vibe and options for involvement in youth programs in MS
- Limiting screen time and watching that the content is appropriate even for middle schoolers
- Supporting the outside interests of each child and the commitment it takes to get them there which for 3 of the 4 are sports (boy- baseball, girl - swimming and other family girl-soccer and other piano and stretching to offer a special summer camp experience)
- Delaying phone usage in one family vía use of ab Apple Watch with oversight, and the other until 7 th grade and limiting
what sites they could have access to
- Finding responsible high school sitters who had a positive relationship with their girls in early years and who now are examples as college grads and solid citizens today
- Encouraging their teens to take in jobs such as dog sitting, cat sitting, mother’s helper and now sitters in demand like the girls who spent time with them. For early teens, it keeps them busy and and earning money which can also teach skills.
- Learning to say “no” and stick to their decision —- very hard and trying at times
- Planning family outings and just time at home watching a movie or playing games
- Giving children responsibilities at home
- Seeking professional help for oneself as needed to manage the challenges that sometimes arise because a healthy parent is needed for good family healthy
My oldest said, you have to recognize the real dangers out there now for all teens and set your sights on keeping them safe, healthy and resilient without building fear of experiencing life, but your involvement only seems to increase with Middle school and high s hook in different ways.
Love all of this! Thank you