Middle school is that tumultuous place of transition. They ache for self-discovery and independence and yet are not quite old enough, nor secure enough, to snip those apron strings and claim the freedoms of the typical teenager. Emotionally, mentally, and physically, your middle school-aged child will be facing many changes as he adjusts to a new body, new educational challenges, and increasing social complexities. Your compassion, stability, and availability in the face of their seeming impatience with every word you say will help your child to weather these changes and prepare them for the trials ahead in high school.

Many kids entering middle school are beginning puberty and dealing with multiple confusing developments in their own bodies. Physically maturing sexual organs and processes, and the start of sexual thoughts, can be a disturbing change for a lot of children. Exciting and yet baffling, these physical and mental shifts can set your child on edge, wondering if they are "normal" and yet, because of the private and taboo nature of all things sexual, too embarrassed to ask their parents. Asking direct questions or just sharing a story of your own experiences "out of the blue" can open the door to a conversation your middle schooler is dying to have.

The transition from grade school to middle school brings new challenges in learning. Switching from one teacher to multiple teachers may be a rude awakening to your preteen as they discover that their classes are more about lectures, note taking, and general discussion, rather than completing work in class. Your young student will need your assistance to develop a schedule and self-discipline to finish their homework assignments. Providing an assignment book and helping them to set realistic time frames for doing homework could help, as could a look at your day planner to see how you manage your own time.

Emotional challenges abound as hormone-driven interest in the opposite sex creates complexities in both same-sex and opposite-sex relationships. Friendships previously dependable now face the hurdle of trying to fit in with a larger group of kids, and some will not survive causing much heartache. Relationships with the opposite sex are suddenly foreign as each side fumbles to discover their place and develop self-confidence in these interactions.

The emotional changes, combined with the physical changes and educational challenges, can often come together to form a "perfect storm";

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