Return to School Jitters

The new school year is upon us all. My 11 year old reminded me just prior to school starting that he was “ready to go back to school.” I am reminded that there are many young people that do not want to go back to school. Not because they dislike school and the education process, but that they dislike what occurs while they are in school. The excitement for these children is replaced by foreboding and fear. What am I talking about you may ask? Bullying!<br /><br /><br /><div> </div>Those youth who experience bullying tend to be more reluctant about attending school, especially when they are entering a grade which requires transitioning to a different school setting. Transition is an extremely difficult time, it means physically and emotionally they are going through changes. Bullying is defined as using superior strength or influence, aggressive behavior, or negative, unwanted actions to intimidate or otherwise make another person uncomfortable. These behaviors are usually reproduced over time and are generally used to force a person to do what the bully wants.<br /><br /><div> </div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9y2GdFr3jCaoSTyNAB407JY76a0Hw-O6aWeuzzaBQnoxrsc6-RTCR9Idz60_xptaA1smtGASNSeQZx7P7fjeGLvpjGj9KO_nUuepxOTDPbCbmwf-L8e-rWPNRiOoK-AjDtLrOqTjnHqJ/s1600/thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9y2GdFr3jCaoSTyNAB407JY76a0Hw-O6aWeuzzaBQnoxrsc6-RTCR9Idz60_xptaA1smtGASNSeQZx7P7fjeGLvpjGj9KO_nUuepxOTDPbCbmwf-L8e-rWPNRiOoK-AjDtLrOqTjnHqJ/s200/thumbnail.jpg" width="200" xaa="true" /></a>Most schools have what they believe are effective anti-bullying programs and campaigns. However, what is quite interesting is that most common place for bullying is in the playground estimated at 44%. The second most common place is in the classroom at 28%. This makes perfect sense if you observe the playground activities of most schools in your community. </div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The playground is an area that has so many things going on. There are those children who play sports, kickball, basketball, football, soccer or some other sports. Then there are those children who are playing on the jungle gyms and outside play equipment. Lastly, there are those children who are off on their own, in cliques, or small group’s chit chatting or playing some other type of activity. But what many of us do not see is that the adults, those people who are supposed to supervisor our children, in most cases are parent volunteers. They are clumped together, talking amongst themselves. Parent volunteers are just that they are Lunch Moms and Dads who are helping out their school and community by offering supervision. But what lacks is that most of them receive little or no training in the area of dealing with and being able to identify when a child is being bullied. </div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfE9Dh2hQy8BpOL0K_A5cTwnXQtgX5MGCGgqSkzQ7smYR1OzEg1JtEq-StGY1Xr5y41SssvjvaNUc0Kxi7JXqGAzARSnaUEmKZolMNvw6-hq0mE0Km69Nu-SQdKm7Kj4m3kN3Vmdf8IAK/s1600/0_teenDrug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfE9Dh2hQy8BpOL0K_A5cTwnXQtgX5MGCGgqSkzQ7smYR1OzEg1JtEq-StGY1Xr5y41SssvjvaNUc0Kxi7JXqGAzARSnaUEmKZolMNvw6-hq0mE0Km69Nu-SQdKm7Kj4m3kN3Vmdf8IAK/s1600/0_teenDrug.jpg" xaa="true" /></a> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Bullying is seldom an extremely overt act. In the early stages it is extremely subtle and quick. Only after a period of time of prolonged bullying does is it overt and aggressive. As a parent, you should be contacting your school and finding out what training the staff is given, ask the question about volunteers and lunch room staff. Because much of what causes those feeling of uneasiness are those moments on the playground or cafeteria where your child may become a target of bullying.</div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><u>The Classroom</u></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Next is the classroom, anti-bullying programs have focused on children and how they can deal they can prevent and deal with bullying. What training have your teachers in your community received? There is little training for teachers to learn how to identify bullying that occurs in the classroom. Much of what occurs in the classroom occurs while the teacher is in the classroom and in full view of the teacher. </div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFXRjL_PN50MXKdmJHGCiQ1qO6YQdZN-xfAypcEpU68WgKHM0TEbcdkWPEp6lWCVN7Qw0cNQTIimVD76PPUZK5koz8JhvqWqXRtWjzycc-DueyttgtFDJdH2t3PEN9qoEQV5obkbHCmo2/s1600/classroom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFXRjL_PN50MXKdmJHGCiQ1qO6YQdZN-xfAypcEpU68WgKHM0TEbcdkWPEp6lWCVN7Qw0cNQTIimVD76PPUZK5koz8JhvqWqXRtWjzycc-DueyttgtFDJdH2t3PEN9qoEQV5obkbHCmo2/s200/classroom1.jpg" width="200" xaa="true" /></a>Teachers need to not only learn that it occurs right in front of them, but that once they identify it, how they are going to address it properly in the classroom. By this meaning is the teacher going to place the “target” of the bullying into a more uncomfortable situation by assigning blame on the “target.”</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">According to children in school this all too frequently happens and this creates the belief in children that telling an adult does not help the problem. Parents need to stay active and learn what techniques their teachers are using to address bullying in school to prevent this type activity from continuing.</div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">  </div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Here are some tips that you can go over to help your child deal with bullying. </strong></div><br /><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Tell them to stop. </li><br /><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Walk away. Do not let them get to you. If you walk away or ignore them, they will not get that satisfaction. </li><br /><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Protect yourself. Sometimes you cannot walk away. If you are being physically hurt, protect yourself so that you can get away. </li><br /><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Tell an adult you trust. Talking to someone could help you figure out the best ways to deal with the problem. In some cases, adults need to get involved for the bullying to stop. </li><br /><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Find a safe place. Go somewhere that you feel safe and secure like the library, a favorite teacher’s classroom, or the office.</li><br /><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Stick together. Stay with a group or individuals that you trust. </li><br /><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Find opportunities to make new friends. Explore your interests and join school or community activities such as sports, drama, or art. Volunteer or participate in community service.</li><br /></ul><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Once your child has opened the door, help your child begin to problem-solve. You can role-play different situations and encourage your children to respond in a positive manner. You can also help your child meet new friends or join a new team or club.</div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">  </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In order to avoid a “he-said, she-said” type argument with the parent of the accused bully, you should refrain from contacting the other parent. Instead, school personnel should be involved. You want to report the situation so the teachers and administrators of your children are aware of the brewing issue and can keep a closer eye while they are on school grounds.</div><br /><div>  </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Don’t let your child be another bully statistic. Teach your child how to avoid bullying and what to do if bullying occurs. If your child is involved in a bully situation encourage them to talk to a trust adult.</div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div>

Return to School Jitters

The new school year is upon us all. My 11 year old reminded me just prior to school starting that he was “ready to go back to school.” I am ...

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Teens Starting High School – Tips for Parents

<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lvIktawGIE97DRLLBLYFNakLwW6VhWnIyCCxG_rxRE6aE0NHrGvnAXoNEBCre7RGrhBpn4_3J_EKsQYETOMJVdZ8aKLOV37EFavZxPWgSJMKH9pYSpKR7NQ9QAvo0FYvqsXOH7n_WqYx/s1600/high-school-musical.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lvIktawGIE97DRLLBLYFNakLwW6VhWnIyCCxG_rxRE6aE0NHrGvnAXoNEBCre7RGrhBpn4_3J_EKsQYETOMJVdZ8aKLOV37EFavZxPWgSJMKH9pYSpKR7NQ9QAvo0FYvqsXOH7n_WqYx/s200/high-school-musical.jpg" width="200" /></a>Teenagers all over the world will take the leap from child to young adult this fall. They will be entering High School for the first time. This milestone brings a variety of feelings and emotions. They are beginning four of the most difficult, yet most memorable years of their life. If you think you are anxious and scared, try being your teen. Next year I will be experiencing this very thing with the entry of my daughter going into high school. Although I worry, my daughter is a well put together young lady. With that being said the stress experienced between my wife, my daughter and I should be minimized some. However, these tips are still helpful even for well prepared teens and parents. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Be Open and Understanding</strong> - Realize that your teen is going to be stressed and irritable for the first few weeks of their freshman year. There are many things that can contribute to your teen’s moodiness or withdrawn state. They are experiencing numerous changes in their life; all at the same time. Just like when you are pushed to your max with stress, your teen may experience headaches, stomachaches, or sleepiness. They need time and space to figure it all out in their own mind. Be patient and give them the time they need to sort things out for themselves.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Be Available and Reassuring</strong> - They may be young adults with a need to start making more decisions on their own and taking on more responsibility, but that doesn’t mean that they are full blown adults with minds that can handle all the stress and pressure of taking on those tasks. Reassure them that you are there when they need you and also how to “back off” when necessary so they can figure things out for themselves. Have you ever heard the phrase “Helicopter Parent?” It simply means hovering over your teens every decision, allow them to make some decisions, experience some failures and learn from them before you jump in to “save” </div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Your teenager is just that, a teen. You need to let them know that you trust them to make their own decisions. Let them know that you are always there should they get stuck and need a helping hand from someone they trust. Show them in ways other than saying things such as, “I’m here if you want to talk.” It’s not always easy for a teenager to start up a serious conversation, especially with Mom or Dad. There are times when you need to get creative. Depending on your teen that may mean writing a letter or taking them shopping and talking about what’s going on in their life while driving.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkTHNlRRAHavadckyOIKAQ3cTAozbtSZMTxVv4NoI6fAtft78b0lM9Oax9_N9xNSfpCJjVlpixR7xbVJuIJAf-z9IXNtBLxRQDWjv2wWsmvFwephefukmchI8FgtCeWJBsIdIEM4sq1LF/s1600/Aspergers+students+and+high+school+problems.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkTHNlRRAHavadckyOIKAQ3cTAozbtSZMTxVv4NoI6fAtft78b0lM9Oax9_N9xNSfpCJjVlpixR7xbVJuIJAf-z9IXNtBLxRQDWjv2wWsmvFwephefukmchI8FgtCeWJBsIdIEM4sq1LF/s200/Aspergers+students+and+high+school+problems.jpg" width="200" /></a><strong>Be Supportive and Loving</strong> - Your teenager is no longer the ‘big dog’, but instead a ‘newbie’. Teenagers need to know that Mom and/or Dad support their decisions. They may have a difficult time fitting in; therefore, the need to try new things is necessary and helps them to figure out who they are. As long as the activity is not detrimental to them or anyone else, let them try a new sport, club, or other extracurricular hobby.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Support them in their decision, even if you know in the long run they will not participate next year. Give them the opportunity to find out for themselves if they enjoy certain activities. Remind them that family is something that will always be there. They are moving away from you as a parent but not disconnecting with the family completely and that’s OK.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Set Routines and Limits</strong> - Yes, they may be growing up, but they aren’t adults yet. Even teenagers need routines and limits. It will help to make the transition to high school easier on both of you if make limits together before the first week of school. Sit down and tell your child what your expectations are and really listen to their expectations of you as well. Settle on certain guidelines and routines that make both of you happy with the end result. This not only puts your mind at ease, but will also show your teen that you acknowledge that they are capable of making sound decisions and taking other’s considerations into</div><div style="text-align: justify;">account.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Being a parent of a teenager can be a trying time and high school can seem overwhelming for them. Share in the good times and be there to lean on for the bad. Before you know it, you’ll be catching that cap and tassel at your teen’s graduation.</div><br />

Teens Starting High School – Tips for Parents

Teenagers all over the world will take the leap from child to young adult this fall. They will be entering High School for the first time. T...

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Teen Tips: Girls - Surviving Middle School

<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagh7QJqrZTanRE7aNP2xXT56FB4qyBo5FZ6wAcZ2rumtXMiAswD-hHojM-6phkMaBVJERKnmG-2db_4990cPcmrcmMos5vd15lS20Q3KDw3H_sdv97Vf52IVGGuuF7c_00NygYNOJpvnM/s1600/508589071_7ff48a7ec6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagh7QJqrZTanRE7aNP2xXT56FB4qyBo5FZ6wAcZ2rumtXMiAswD-hHojM-6phkMaBVJERKnmG-2db_4990cPcmrcmMos5vd15lS20Q3KDw3H_sdv97Vf52IVGGuuF7c_00NygYNOJpvnM/s200/508589071_7ff48a7ec6.jpg" width="200" /></a>For parents sending your tween off to Middle school creates all kinds of anxiety for parents, but for your tween too! Middle school is a great time of a tweens life, including all kinds of new experiences and changes. The turmoil, emotion and hormones are all pooled together into the experience of growing into your early teen years. I think I heard it summed up the best by one of my daughters principals, for incoming Middle School parents. "Teens loose their minds for two years and by the time they come out of middle school they are normal again." . Here are some ideas about middle-school ups and downs and what parents can do -- and not do -- to help.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Middle school is full of really cool experience and stuff. While much of what goes on in school is normal and routine, there are the worries about the so called "mean girls"   But let me re-enforce that is important for parents to realize that this is a time when their daughters develop socially.While much is written about mean girls, it's important for parents to realize how much fun this time can be socially for their daughters. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Friendships</strong></div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrF8xxLHYdi7P_KjGWST8xOT2fziMBBDwXVVlwqPhQatDvBcMvinhsU1wa2D4xfsxm7s5WM240C9n2MqFWDRM-WCoZ0MZv5n5vphMGMuJ_HNVm5y_c5_ofoHuvSWn8eYeUdQOi4mbn0qr5/s1600/tween-girl-friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrF8xxLHYdi7P_KjGWST8xOT2fziMBBDwXVVlwqPhQatDvBcMvinhsU1wa2D4xfsxm7s5WM240C9n2MqFWDRM-WCoZ0MZv5n5vphMGMuJ_HNVm5y_c5_ofoHuvSWn8eYeUdQOi4mbn0qr5/s320/tween-girl-friends.jpg" width="320" /></a>One of the key issues is for parents is understanding how friendships change. At this stage, when girls get together what they mostly do is talk. They talk in person about music and clothes and boys -- and then they talk online. Communication breaks down for many parents at this time, which develops frustration for many parents.  This is a critical time for parents, not to create times of conflict but to open up lines of communication. Looking for ways to communicate or new ways to community are paramount. Most adults have embraced the texting. Take the time to text your daughter, if you are not on a social networking site, join one. Get added to a friend on your child's, its key to understanding their conversations, and pitfalls that they are experiencing. It is also a critical time to stay relevant in your child's life. Texting, instant messaging and posting on your child's social networking site make it a great way to stay right out in front of your child. Saying "here I am", "I can help."  </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><strong>The culture of media sets the tone for middle school. </strong><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMA5WRIf2DdkxRUImeKpf6gKFTPz0ssSk-61o-dV86gV7k8UXBwjoR5XREf8P5eywUv9f8THP7yQU7A3Hn9RahpMiKRa5JaO-bWecLbFawDJmU0VjrV136QQE6MYUHep4Cu_5qhzIFG0V5/s1600/article-page-main_ehow_images_a04_r1_gj_summer-makeover-teen-girls-800x800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMA5WRIf2DdkxRUImeKpf6gKFTPz0ssSk-61o-dV86gV7k8UXBwjoR5XREf8P5eywUv9f8THP7yQU7A3Hn9RahpMiKRa5JaO-bWecLbFawDJmU0VjrV136QQE6MYUHep4Cu_5qhzIFG0V5/s200/article-page-main_ehow_images_a04_r1_gj_summer-makeover-teen-girls-800x800.jpg" width="200" /></a>Girls this age are thrilled that they are about to become teenagers. The entire pulse of what goes in middle school takes on its only feeling and way of thinking for them. Girls live their lives online, doing homework, watching TV, and talking to friends simultaneously. While they can use the Internet in wonderful ways, they can sometimes use it to flame and shame each other, spread vicious rumors, and post malicious information behind girls' backs. It is at the time, that by being involved, understanding the music, the shows and what is happening will help you keep those lines of communication open. This allows you to stay right in the mix with your tween, their friends and the issues they are facing.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Hormones can affect behavior in middle school. </strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's hard to be a girl at this age and stage, like my daughters principal said the Hormones make girls edgy, crabby, cranky and teary and their bodies are going through all kinds of changes. Because this is all happening at once and at different rates it can make girls feel uncomfortable with their own. Those same raging hormones and interest in boys can also disrupt the existing social order. If you haven't had the "discussion" about sex with your tween by 10 or 11, now would the time. Listening during this key phase of your tween is paramount, especially when it involves boys. When your daughter mentions a boy, don't immediately jump to the possible attraction between them. It might or might not be there. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>The social hierarchy intensifies in middle school. </strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAynAbakv9RjbmMSdhZPjniKlI15C43tRUR-n-wk8HyXD2jkVGnxXLpjTZNVcCN3iK7VJzCtfTO0UYaSqGpx2V_JRf5whe7PGhAsHp2OfIypdYm4KrIi2NpMC7CtHhPGL7psFqxCEaN4CZ/s1600/8627763-teen-girls-whispering-and-telling-secrets-in-school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAynAbakv9RjbmMSdhZPjniKlI15C43tRUR-n-wk8HyXD2jkVGnxXLpjTZNVcCN3iK7VJzCtfTO0UYaSqGpx2V_JRf5whe7PGhAsHp2OfIypdYm4KrIi2NpMC7CtHhPGL7psFqxCEaN4CZ/s1600/8627763-teen-girls-whispering-and-telling-secrets-in-school.jpg" /></a>Cliques get clique-ier, the need to be in power intensifies, and girls can get meaner and much of this behavior stems from the intense desire to belong, the need to feel powerful, and the conditioning that many girls have to not express their feelings directly. This sense of belonging can make a tween girl also ripe to joining a gang. Early recruitment is something parents should be concerned about, but if you are involved in your daughters  Some girls function as leaders, others as followers, and the rest live outside the groups. Some of these girls don't care, while others desperately want to belong. But don't worry to much about this, by eighth grade, most girls develop a certain sense of girls being mean to each other and they learn to steer away from those girls. By eighth grade they are focused their attention towards sex, but this does not mean they are ready to act upon it.<br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Having a teenager is an extremely difficult time in both your teen and parent's life. But being involved in your teens life, you can help them navigate these turbulent times, lending them guidance and being a valuable resource to your teen. This will only set them up for success in their future into high school and adult hood.  </div>

Teen Tips: Girls - Surviving Middle School

For parents sending your tween off to Middle school creates all kinds of anxiety for parents, but for your tween too! Middle school is a gre...

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