Back to School Part 4: Middle School Years

Click here to send the host a message!This episode features a conversation with middle school educator, Tracy Bennett.  Students in this age group are navigating physical, emotional, social, AND academic changes--and it is not easy!  During the middle school years, students not only make mistakes, but also (and maybe more importantly) learn to recover from them.   We should not expect them to figure everything out without help from trusted adults.  Tracy shared great ideas about  how to "level up" in communicating with students that are in this stage.    "They may say that you are 'cringe' but they actually like it."  Tracy encourages parents to communicate with teachers  emphasized how much of a difference maker parental involvement is--even as students get older.Upcoming episodes in this informative series include: conversations a high school teacher, a graduation coach, and a discussion about how to best advocate for your child.How Parents Can Help Kids in Middle SchoolBe there. Listen. Talk with them. Appreciate them. Relax with them. Encourage them. Set clear limits. Help them prioritize. Discuss expectations. Touch base daily. Monitor online life. Notice what’s emerging. Keep them active. Ignore unhelpful people. Applaud progress. Address over-commitment. Tackle tough topics. Be approachable. Hug them often. Celebrate proud moments.RESOURCESMiddle School Matters:  The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond-and How Parents Can Help   by Phyllis FagellMiddle School Walk and Talk Podcast SeriesINCREDIBLE EDIBLES BY TRACYWant to find out more about the services and offerings of Incredible Edibles by Tracy?  Use this link to connect to find out more about how to place orders or join the mailing list to stay updated about her events.LIFE AFTER BALLLife After Ball  is a nonprofit501 (c)3 organization that is designed to provide life skills programs for student athletes to help them succeed in life outside of sports through mentorships, education, and community outreach.   Visit www.lifeafterball.org for details about  upcoming events and find out ways to support their mission!CALLING ALL SIDE HUSTLERSYou can be highlighted an upcoming "Side Hustle Saturday" segment!  Do you or someone that you know has a side business or a hobby they would like to turn into a side business? Send an email to:  [email protected] with Side Hustle Saturday in the subject line to receive more information.SPECIAL OFFERSPodcast listeners receive 15% off of  purchases from This Little Light Candles by using LUPOD as the promo code at checkout!  This Little Light Candles creates custom, hand-poured palm wax candles that are naturally fragranced.  Visit www.thislittlelightcandles.net to see the signature collection, word of the year, affirmation candles and more.Support the show