Tackling the Middle School Transition

My oldest, the Adventurer, is heading to Whisconier Middle School (WMS) in September. She's done the tour and the orientation. She's ready. She willing. She can't wait.

I'm not ready. I can admit it. I'm scared. I don't want  to do this middle school thing again. I know, I'm not the one who has to go. Still, I go through what they go through in a new and excruciating way and I know what lies ahead.

Middle School Drama.

Middle School Girl Drama. Thinking about it makes me throw up a little in my mouth.

As you can see, I'm not handling it well so far. I'm not looking forward to being a middle school mom either. I'm not nearly old enough for such a title. Not nearly. Middle school, middle aged, it sounds so similar. And considering the latest numbers on life expectancy for my generation are... well, I couldn't locate them, but I have a good history of longevity in my family, so I expect to live until around 90. Using this logic,  I won't hit mid-life (and hence the crisis) for another seven years, to be exact. At that point my youngest will be entering middle school. I'm not counting or anything.

Everyone I talk to assures me that WMS is a great school. They all say the exact same thing. The faculty seems terrific. So why am I worried? Oh, I don't know. There are so many reasons. If I list them out I'll need a drink to calm down.

My Adventurer is not at all nervous (or so she claims), but it would be easily understood if she was. She's facing major change. Good or bad, change is hard for most of us. So what can a nervous mama do to help ease the transition?  I'm going to have a large glass of Pinot Noir.  Oh, you were expecting some advice to help your middle school-er? This isn't all about me? Sure thing.

Chances are they've seen the movies and read the middle school was created to torture us books. Help them explore their fears. Talking about it makes it less terrifying. Discuss their concerns. Chat through every last one from locker organization, to bullies, to pimple prevention, until they feel more comfortable. We keep the conversation open around here, so my daughter can pretty much ask me any random question, get her answer and make a quick exit to think on it.

Let them know they are not on their own and that you will be there to fight for them if they need you. My daughter doesn't want me to get involved, but the fact that I act like a mama bear who will do anything to protect my cub always makes her smile. It's the thought that counts here.

Keep your focus positive. Point out all the great opportunities that will be available to them at WMS. They will have a chance to experience a wide variety of subjects and additional activities.

Remind them that they will find their way, their place and their friends.

So, it doesn't really matter that I'm not ready or that I don't want to let my girl move on to the next stage yet. I have to.  I'm resisting, but she embracing it, like a true adventurer. A few of her friends are not quiet as enthusiastic. Like me, they see that this change, in a way, changes everything. It's the end of the something they intuitively know they will miss someday. Or maybe they won't, but it still deserves a moment of reflection.