Middle Schoolers
It is my experience that the middle school age is the roughest for all concerned. It's common to hear parents, mothers especially, talk about the terrible twos. I never related to that. I loved being a mom to a two year old. In my opinion, as a mom, we should refer to the terrible thirteens!
This is on my mind now, as I just finished a lengthy conversation with a 13 year old. I listened as she talked about her opinions and feelings on various topics. Friends: Sometimes people who you think are your friends, aren't really your friends. It's hard to find friends you can really trust. Show Offs: Some people continually have to tell you how smart they are, how pretty they are, etc. Boys: One day you think one is really cute and the next day you look at him and think, "He really needs a haircut". Emotions: Sometimes you just burst into tears for no real reason.
Yes, the middle school years are tough. These kids are learning some of the hardest life lessons at the same time their hormones decide to take control. They don't know if they want to be/should be diligent in their studies or try to disguise their love of learning, so they can be considered "cool". They wonder if their parents really know what they are talking about. At this age they want their independence and need to be heard.They question authority and their own personal beliefs because they are so unsure of both. They crave and need the security of their home and families, but fight this need in an effort to become their own person. Yet, they don't quite know who that person is.
I remember trying my best, as a mom, to be supportive but having to struggle with my own emotions. It's hard to tell your child that this too shall pass and that whatever he/she is going through is just part of growing up. It's especially hard when deep down you really want to go to school and give the person that is causing your child's heartache a piece of your own mind. It's hard to tell them it will all be okay when you know from personal experience that it may take a long time for your child to learn how to cope with all this.
And cope they must, because even in the adult world, these life lessons continue. You will still discover that all friends aren't true, some people will always have the need to show off, there will still be days when you just feel like bursting into tears and on occasion you won't be able to help but notice that the guy/man you are with really does look pretty scruffy.
This is on my mind now, as I just finished a lengthy conversation with a 13 year old. I listened as she talked about her opinions and feelings on various topics. Friends: Sometimes people who you think are your friends, aren't really your friends. It's hard to find friends you can really trust. Show Offs: Some people continually have to tell you how smart they are, how pretty they are, etc. Boys: One day you think one is really cute and the next day you look at him and think, "He really needs a haircut". Emotions: Sometimes you just burst into tears for no real reason.
Yes, the middle school years are tough. These kids are learning some of the hardest life lessons at the same time their hormones decide to take control. They don't know if they want to be/should be diligent in their studies or try to disguise their love of learning, so they can be considered "cool". They wonder if their parents really know what they are talking about. At this age they want their independence and need to be heard.They question authority and their own personal beliefs because they are so unsure of both. They crave and need the security of their home and families, but fight this need in an effort to become their own person. Yet, they don't quite know who that person is.
I remember trying my best, as a mom, to be supportive but having to struggle with my own emotions. It's hard to tell your child that this too shall pass and that whatever he/she is going through is just part of growing up. It's especially hard when deep down you really want to go to school and give the person that is causing your child's heartache a piece of your own mind. It's hard to tell them it will all be okay when you know from personal experience that it may take a long time for your child to learn how to cope with all this.
And cope they must, because even in the adult world, these life lessons continue. You will still discover that all friends aren't true, some people will always have the need to show off, there will still be days when you just feel like bursting into tears and on occasion you won't be able to help but notice that the guy/man you are with really does look pretty scruffy.
posted by SMSSecretary at 8:06 PM
4 Comments:
wow! words of wisdom! I remember Erin's middle school years- akward in appearance and in her sports-- the bangs and braces- she almost wouldn't let me put middle school pictures in her scrapbook :)
funny, even today, we feel like middle schoolers- who are our true friends, my wrinkles are getting deeper and more gray hair each day :0 Will anyone notice, will anyone really care?
this was a great read and one that made me smile, and I will keep an even more open heart and love for these children that I work with daily.
Oh my, Rich. That's a whole other blog for me. In my humble opinion, and I am an expert on my opinion, the reason for a lot of our problems is that we don't (consistantly) hold students responsible for their actions and we worry too much about their happiness. They are not coming to school to be made happy. They are coming to school to learn. I feel education has and is really dropping the ball big time on this one.
Why aren't you a writer?
Amen Secretary! you are the WOMAN!!! Of course I tell you that all of the time!
as I always say, let's be on the same page! then these students would know what is expected of them! we have to be consistant with rules and ALL follow them- ok, enough of that sermon!
and yes, one is responsible for THEIR own actions!!!! I am!
whew!
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