We continue to be amazed a the support you provide for "our" kids and our school. We do not take your active involvement for granted. We appreciate your willingness to stay connected; your support with our athletic program; your on-going support through PTO, including teacher and student recognition. We are very fortunate at MCMS!
"Talk to your students as though they are five years older than they really are; listen as though they are five years younger." This quote from David Puckett is powerful and really makes sense when working with adolescent students!
In the most recent edition of "The Family Connection" published by the National Middle School Association, Judith Baenen gives great advice in walking the tightrope in raising a son or daughter during the adolescent years.
Young adolescents believe that they are quite capable of being on their own; unfortunately, many parents and guardians go along with this idea. More independence, more responsibilities, more privacy—yes, but complete freedom? Absolutely not.
Research suggests that 10- to 15-year-olds have trouble planning ahead and making reasonable decisions because certain areas of their brains are not yet fully developed. Additionally, we know that peer pressure is strongest at this age. To allow a young adolescent—even the most charming and seemingly dependable boy or girl—to be alone unsupervised for more than a few hours is definitely asking for trouble.
Try to limit the amount of time your child is home alone. Be sure to set up guidelines as to what behavior is expected during the time he or she is unsupervised and whether or not he or she is allowed to have friends over. If possible, monitor by phone at set check-in times. If your child is planning to go to a friend's house, make sure you call to check with the other parent or guardian about supervision.
Some young adolescents will complain, saying, "You don't trust me." Assure them that it is not a matter of trust but a requirement of parenting. It is our responsibility to set boundaries and think ahead in an effort to protect them from unintended consequences.
This is some good advice, as all of us know, there are no easy answers or foolproof guidebook for raising our kids. Thanks for your continued partnership as we do our best to raise "our kids!"
Sincerely,
Dr. Sue Kreuser
