Reggie Joiner and Kristen Ivy put together a book and website that may help you think about crucial phases in your child.
Check Out Justaphase.com for more helps and thoughts on all the phases!
Here is a look at the Middle School Phase:
Hey Middle School Parents! Check Out Justaphase.com
THE PHASE WITH NO CONSISTENCY
Some 6th graders still sleep with stuffed animals, others want to sleep with their new cell phone. Most sixth graders are one person one day and another the next… or they might alternate every hour! Sloppiness might be their dress of choice one minute, and then you turn around and find a preppy, well-dressed kid. This search for identity and spontaneous change on the fly could be seen as a challenge. What if you decided to take this phase as a creative challenge as a parent? How can you encourage your 6th grade Middle Schooler as they change and affirm them in the process?
GET READY! The 6h Grade Phase is also when God turns on the hormone spicket and unleashes emotions, thought patterns, and growth changes that will put a dent in your grocery bill, overdrive your stress level, and find a child making huge strides to become an adult.
GET READY FOR THE PARENT REPELLENT! OR AT LEAST A TIME TO REALIZE HOW EMBARRASSING YOU CAN BE.
The upheaval of social structure makes this a tricky time. What is acceptable interaction on Social Media? Unrealistic expectations at every turn. The need to impress and follow the crowd. These are the ever-changing standards that make this phase wreak of insecurity and awkwardness, like none other. Oh, and by the way, THEY KNOW EVERYTHING and YOU KNOW NOTHING!
The Paradox of becoming an individual at this phase, yet SO MUCH LIKE YOU as a parent is one that I must only reply and say, “I’m praying for you.”
I hope this helps in the amazing days of change in your Middle School Student!
In Christ,
Pastor Brandon
Middle School Pastor
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