The survivor’s guide to parenting middle school kids

Your pre-teen is growing up fast — maybe too fast!?!

One moment, they’re playing dress up and running around in the backyard for hours on end, and the next they’re asking for cell phones and Instagram accounts. As far as they’re concerned, they’re ready for adulthood!

It’s OK if you’re a little intimidated by the new parenting issues and questions middle school brings. We’re here to help. Our survival guide will give you tools and tips to tackle your tween’s first steps toward maturity and independence with faith and wisdom.

1. How to move from wielding authority to gaining influence with your child

Trust us, you can be even more involved in your kids’ decisions when they want to listen to what you have to say ...

2. When to be a parent and when to be a friend

Boundaries are good for you and your child.

3. How to teach your preteen responsibility

Remember chore lists and piggy banks? A lot more was going on than you probably realized. Learn how smaller choices will help them master the bigger ones.

4. Is my kid old enough to get their own device?

If they haven’t asked for a cell phone or tablet, they will soon. Because of course they need one, right?

5. How do I know if my kid is spending too much time in front of screens?

Damage to their eyes is probably waaay down the list of your concerns, right? Face it, screens are a fact of life, so a hands-off approach might not be the best idea if you want to teach them good digital habits ;).

6. What do I do when my kid finds porn?

No, you can’t avoid this … No, really. Take a deep, breath, and we’ll talk you through this.

7. Talking to your kids about sex and puberty

Talking about the birds and the bees is sooooo 1980s. There’s a better way.

8. How to help your child say no to sex.

The earlier you have this conversation, the better. If you only tell your tween not to have sex and stop there, you’re missing an opportunity to explain why God designed sex for marriage — and why that’s best. This video message will equip you.

Have kids of a different age? Check out our other survival guides.