Top 3 Steps to Feel Prepared For Middle School

Back to school signs are popping up, and you may be starting to feel a little anxious about what to do to prepare for school. That's why I created today's episode and kept things short and sweet! Here are the top 3 things you must know and take action on during back-to-middle school planning.

In this episode, I tell you where you need to start in order to go from overwhelm to confidence. Read below for a snapshot of the top 3 steps to prep for middle school and be sure to listen to the full episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

A look inside today's talking points

Here is where you should start before you buy or do anything else to prep for school.

[1:48] #1: Foundational middle school mindset

[2:50] This is a necessary stage of their development that is not designed to be easy.  You can apply the growth mindset language to this stage: They haven't learned this awareness, skill, behavior...yet! Yet is the KEY THOUGHT...This developmental stage is essential for them to become an adult, so instead of skipping over it and wanting the discomfort to be over, see what happens to your level of peace and satisfaction, when you apply this middle school mindset in your day to day through these essential years. 

[4:08] #2: Understand and practice shifting from manager to guide.

[4:45} Your role as a guide is critical to strengthening your relationship, keeping communication lines open, getting their buy-in and motivation, developing healthy rituals, setting effective boundaries and rules, and so much more.

[5:10] A good place to start moving from manager to guide is to be aware of how much you're talking vs. listening. Practice listening more. See how much you're including them in decisions that involve them directly. 

[5:40] #3: Clean the clutter and prep a learning space

[5:51] Are you worried about how they're going to keep track of all their classes and responsibilities? Begin by modeling how to create a "fresh start" in your life, space, and home (it works!)

[7:36] Release the need to control the organization of their room. Instead of saying "Your room is a mess! You're never going to be able to do homework in here! I don't know how you stand it in here" and practice saying "this is your space and I want to support what feels good to you - my only requirement is to throw trash away and practice getting organized. I'm here as your assistant." - they will see it as more fun!

To recap Middle School Prep 101: Practice your foundational middle school mindset, practice shifting from Manager to Guide, clean clutter, and prep a learning space! Start here before you buy, do, or get anything else.  I'd love to hear how this goes for you.

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