[lovethesun]

Hi Friends......This August, my oldest daughter will start Middle School (6th grade). I'm new to parenting a Middle School child. My years in Middle School were terrible. I want to give her constructive ideas on how to act and what to say. What things should I teach my daughter to say and/or do to handle the "Mean Girls" which I'm sure she will encounter? What have your experiences been and how did you handle it? Were you successful? I'm hoping that my daughter will have a better time than I did. Thanks.

[winter4me]

Hello. First, don't assume her experience will be the same as yours. (mine was lousy, but both kids, now grown, had great times at school, middle, hs, and college...& post grad)
But, that being said, just let her know you are there for her to talk to, and always remember that what happens in school matters but it is not the be all end all of life---I think kids who are engaged in activities/clubs (whether sports, music, history, other...) in and out of school have a better time, as they are gaining self confidence, and skills.
I don't recall K-6 as being without bullies etal----------Enjoy, encourage, focus on the positive, and the bigger picture.

[lovethesun]

Originally Posted by winter4me

Hello. First, don't assume her experience will be the same as yours. (mine was lousy, but both kids, now grown, had great times at school, middle, hs, and college...& post grad)
But, that being said, just let her know you are there for her to talk to, and always remember that what happens in school matters but it is not the be all end all of life---I think kids who are engaged in activities/clubs (whether sports, music, history, other...) in and out of school have a better time, as they are gaining self confidence, and skills.
I don't recall K-6 as being without bullies etal----------Enjoy, encourage, focus on the positive, and the bigger picture.

Great advice! I appreciate it. And you're right, my daughter's experience may not be as bad as mine was. Thanks!