Includes bibliographical references (pages 257-280) and index.

Introduction -- What's the big deal about Middle School? -- Values and integrity. Making responsible, healthy, and ethical decisions ; Fostering honesty ; Encouraging kindness and empathy ; Embracing difference in self and others -- Social skills. Managing shifting friendships ; Dealing with bullying ; Coping with gossip and social turmoil ; Growing up sexually healthy ; Preparing for love -- Learning. Encouraging balance and setting reasonable expectations ; Tackling homework ; Intervening when school is a struggle -- Empowerment and resilience. Connecting with boys and helping them connect with others ; Raising strong, empowered girls ; Taking risks in a world of no's ; Managing setbacks and shoring up resilience ; Preparing kids for a changing world -- Conclusion: Moving forward: "Make mistakes, model self-compassion, and grow alongside your child."

"Middle school is its own important, distinct territory, and yet it's either written off as an uncomfortable rite of passage or lumped in with other developmental phases. Based on her many years working in schools, professional counselor Phyllis Fagell sees these years instead as a critical stage that parents can't afford to ignore (and though "middle school" includes different grades in various regions, Fagell maintains that the ages make more of a difference than the setting). Though the transition from childhood to adolescence can be tough for kids, this time of rapid physical, intellectual, moral, social, and emotional change is a unique opportunity to proactively build character and confidence. Fagell helps parents use the middle school years as a low-stakes training ground to teach kids the key skills they'll need to thrive now and in the future, including making good friend choices, negotiating conflict, regulating their own emotions, be their own advocates, and more. To answer parents' most common questions and struggles with middle school-aged children, Fagell combines her professional and personal expertise with stories and advice from prominent psychologists, doctors, parents, educators, school professionals, and middle schoolers themselves"-- Provided by publisher.