Middle school advice from middle schoolers

This was a super fun episode to record. I got to feature Blythe and Avery - two brilliant, wise, and growing 8th graders who I've known since the summer before their 6th-grade year. And, wow have they grown!

I encourage you and your current or future middle schooler to listen in as we discuss everything from how to overcome social awkwardness, toxic friendships, doing your best in school, and why they wouldn't change any of it for the world. These challenges have gotten them to where they are today!

Be sure to listen to the end because the girls give soon-to-be middle schoolers a pep talk for entering middle school.  It doesn't need to be as scary as you might think!

And parents, if you or your kid have any questions about anything adolescence, don't hesitate to reach out! You can submit questions through Ask Ashley or email me directly at [email protected]

I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do.

Here are some questions I asked during the episode:

• How are you feeling about graduating from 8th grade in just 4 months?

• What are some of the biggest lessons you learned from these middle school years?

• What were you super nervous about that turned out to not be a big deal?

• What were your biggest learning lessons in 6th grade? 7th grade? And now?

• How did you handle the increased responsibilities of school?

• What are your secrets to doing well in school?

• With all the mental and physical changes that happen during middle school, what do you think has made it better and where do you still need support?

• Did you have any teachers who were super challenging? How did you handle them? All the homework?

• What were the qualities of the best teachers you had?

• When you think of the last few years - what's one of your more challenging memories? How did you get through it?

• Imagine yourself as that fresh, nervous, and curious 6th grader. If you could give yourself a pep talk before the first day, what would you say?

• What do you think your Senior in high school self would say to you NOW as a soon-to-be Freshman?

You can listen to the full episode to hear their answers and their wisdom!

Like what you hear? Keep listening to the Elevated Adolescence Podcast