My friend Douglas Haddad is here this week to chat about all things middle school, with a focus on encouraging discouraged learners.  

Douglas has been teaching for over 24 years (at ONE school!), and I love his commitment to his students. Douglas shares what he’s seen changing during that period, like higher anxiety & social media misuse, and what’s stayed the same, like a child’s need to feel loved, heard, and understood.   

Douglas shares his wisdom on keeping middle schoolers encouraged & engaged: making sure they understand the systems in place around them, how we can help when our kid isn’t connecting with a teacher, collaborating on family agreements, and helping our tweens grow their tolerance for discomfort.  

Takeaways from the show

What’s different between middle school today & when you were a tween? 

“Loved, heard, and understood” 

What does discouragement look like in the classroom? 

Wait Until 8th Pledge 

Does your child know & understand the systems in place around them? 

How to help foster connection between your child & their teachers 

Family contracts, charters, agreements, & meetings 

Being available without an agenda or judgment 

Setting & celebrating small goals 

Scaffolding for our kiddos to grow their tolerance for discomfort

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