She also heard there were fights in Middle School. Not just shouting fights, but physical ones. And it's true, it happened, and she saw many fights, because apparently it's cool to film a fight and put it on Instagram. However, she was never IN one, thank goodness.
But there are ways that Natalie made it through Middle School. She told them to me and said I could share on my blog to help others.
1. Bring gum. Natalie says nearly everyone chews it in the halls. If someone is mad at you, offer gum and all will be well again. (Kind of. She said she watched two girls scream at each other over a boy and didn't think gum would help that situation.)
2. Speak up when confused. For example, my daughter didn't know where one of her classes was. So she asked a teacher. Sometimes I wish she'd speak up more when she's confused on an assignment. She's working on this. Sometimes she'll come home and be all, "I have to do this," and I'll ask for details and she'll give me a blank stare. (Natalie wanted me to say that she still got As and Bs on most assignments, despite being confused. Except in math because she says "math is evil.")
3. Don't be afraid to make friends. Yes, it can be nerve-wracking. And yes, you might get rejected. Some kids are just jerks. But for the most part, anyone is willing to talk. My daughter is one of those people. If you say hi, she'll talk your ear off. I'm introverted so it can be super awkward for me when she meets someone new and is like, "Oh, did you want to meet her mom so we can hang out at each other's houses?" I always want to answer, "Not really, Natalie, not really at all." But I do.
4. Don't try too hard to be popular. Natalie says she's seen this with some of her friends. They try too hard to fit in with the popular girls, who usually behave like Regina George. Natalie isn't interested. She wants to be her weird self which yes, has been mocked, but luckily she's bold enough to tell the people who don't like it where they can go.
5. Again. Bring gum. But respect teachers and do NOT chew it in their classrooms. Natalie always threw hers away before class. Well, sometimes. She did admit a few times a teacher told her to spit out her gum. Also, be sure to get rid of gum in TRASH CANS and not the floor or under desks.
Natalie is ready and slightly excited for her second year of Middle School. (Excited to see friends. Not excited for homework. And math.)
And yup. She'll have gum.
Very cute and great advice from Natalie!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice. I can't imagine going through middle school again.
ReplyDeleteLove this! My youngest is entering sixth grade next week. I'll be sharing these tips with him for sure!
ReplyDeleteSigh. I super do not miss middle school. But then... sometimes I do? Life is weird sometimes!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice. I have one kid heading into 7th and another in 6th. The older one had to learn about speaking up as he was having a hard time in geometry last year.
ReplyDeleteI love these tips! Being able to make friends without fear is a big one during this age. I think these are some pretty solid tips for sure. I know my middle school kiddos weren't allowed to have gum when they were in public school, otherwise all of these tips seem to be spot on and will be super helpful!
ReplyDeleteMy oldest is starting her final year of Middle School and she's ecstatic that she'll finally not have anyone older to push her around! Of course, now that she's comfortable, she'll have to do it all again in high school.
ReplyDeleteThese are all great tips. I don't have a middle schooler yet, but I will next year. I'm not looking forward to it either. They grow up to quick!
ReplyDeleteThe first year of middle school was a little rocky in the beginning. I think it's just that adjustment period. It's better once the kids are acclimated to how everything works.
ReplyDeleteStraight up I don't know how I'm going to survive elementary school, let alone middle school. I guess I'm in for it!
ReplyDeleteLots of great advice here. My kids are a way from this stage yet, but I will definitely be keeping all this in mind.
ReplyDeleteSuch a tough age but GREAT tips. Mine are young adults and I was glad to conquer this stage!
ReplyDeleteI love the tips "bring gum"! It's awesome and will help my daughter a lot! I will definitely tell her about it!
ReplyDeleteGlad your daughter figured out how to make middle school a little more tolerable (it was rough for some, lol)! Best wishes for a successful second year ❤️
ReplyDeleteYes, definitely bring gum. I used to do that too, it helped me because I was too nervous with new environment.
ReplyDeleteWe were not aloud to chew gum in school I am not sure if the rules are the same now. Good luck to all the middleschoolers!
ReplyDeleteThese is great advice! I swear it was hard back in my day (90s) but it’s even worse today!!! Good luck to your sweet girl!
ReplyDeleteTerrific advice. Good luck to Natalie. Middle School can be tough, but fun too!
ReplyDeleteHey! I just bought Extra gum and did not see the mint chocolate chip flavor - I want it! lol
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ReplyDeleteThis is such great advice! Gum is a go-to! My husband, who is very introverted, carried gum all through Jr. High.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips! I agree with you, don't try too hard to be popular! Just be real and enjoy the middle school time!
ReplyDeleteSuch great tips! I do agree with the don't try too hard to be friends - be yourself.
ReplyDeleteHa, love all of the gum tips. And of course, speaking up when you need help. She'll do great!
ReplyDeleteThose are great tips to help in middle school. However, gum is not allowed in our school, even in the halls. When I was teaching, it was tough because I enjoy chewing gum after lunch.
ReplyDeleteYeah, middle school is tough. These are great, and gum is huge to bring, giving it to friends and others is also a great peace offering of friendship.
ReplyDeleteI remember Junior High being a tough time of life. These are some great suggestions!
ReplyDeleteI am an introvert and it was difficult for me to make friends when I was in middle school. It's tough but I enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteWow middle school was so long ago! It is a weird time but it help you build character it’s still an innocent age too
ReplyDeleteSuperb Article i like Play Bazaar by the next afternoon I'm chomping at the bit to get back to it.This is very good blogspot theme, where you can find out the best theme and latest designs Very good . Know what you mean. but You know about the Game which is viral soo Satta King
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ReplyDeleteWhat a strange period in middle school, I admit that for me they were as beautiful as they were complex. So I find your survival guide useful for every mother and student!
These are all awesome ideas. . Gum is banned at our middle school, but I remember the days when I was in school and it definitely helps!
ReplyDeleteIs so sweet that she helped you made this post she has some excellent tips
ReplyDeleteMiddle school years can be really tough for some. These are very helpful tips.
ReplyDeleteMiddle school was hard. I had an awesome social life, but the hormones... LOL. I have 2 girls so I am dreading those years. I hope they enjoy them!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter starts middle in September. She has major anxiety because she heard you get in big trouble if you pop your gum.
ReplyDeleteI'm SOO glad we're out of the middle school years.
ReplyDeleteI love this. I remember starting my first day at a new school it was always so scary. This is an excellent tool with great advice.
ReplyDeleteThe thought of having to endure middle school again is such a big NO for me! I love that the bring gum advice is still a thing. It was super big in the 2000s so i love that they still do this! Congrats and good luck to Natalie on her second year of middle school!
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of gums. It's easy and it works! :) Need to remember this!
ReplyDeleteThe gum is such a great idea. Who can resist gum, especially when it's such a unique flavor? I'm glad I have 3 boys, it seems to be a bit easier for them in school. Less drama maybe than it sometimes is with girls?! LOL
ReplyDeleteI really love your posts they are always useful...and funny x
ReplyDeleteI just love gum and mostly i carry that with me all the time...whenever i gets bored or disappointed or too happy then i chew that..😁✌ after all this is much helpful and informative blog..I have always been much friendly so have too many of friends in my collage...(World in Eyes)
ReplyDeleteGum will get you places for sure. Middle school can be tough at first, but you totally get the hang of it.
ReplyDeleteThese are all great tips! My daughter starts middle school in the Fall so this is very helpful info. for me!!
ReplyDeleteMiddle school can be challenging indeed. Thanks for sharing some of your tips. I love that gum flavor too!
ReplyDeleteI love that Natalie is sharing what she's learned to help other kids. I never would have guessed that gum would be on the list.
ReplyDeleteI love these tips, especially #4. Middle School can be challenging and mine was pretty hard.
ReplyDeletemiddle school can be hard. These survival tips will come in handy for many students.
ReplyDeletegreat tips! school is hard for both parents and especially kids. Thank you for sharing her experience!
ReplyDeleteWonderfu tips for parents of teenagers. I only teach preschool kids, so I don't know much about middle schoolers.
ReplyDeleteI will ask my boys about the gum tip or I wonder if it is more of a girl thing?
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