I can’t believe in 3 weeks you will be starting Middle School. It seems like yesterday we were walking hand in hand into the first day of Kindergarten. Middle School is a big deal. This is a huge leap in growth, responsibility, and life.
I know you are excited and can’t wait to walk in those doors at the Middle School, but I will admit … momma is a little scared. I know it is hard to believe, but once (a long LONG time ago) I was a middle schooler! I remember being in 6th grade. It was not the greatest experience for me, but I survived. Navigating the halls of a new school and balancing the scary world adolescents live in today will be a battlefield of making the “right” decisions. Circumventing the land mines that are peer pressure, friend drama, bullying, and social media won’t always be easy.
You balance between the world of childhood innocence and the world of adult reality.
I want to give you some motherly advice:
Work Hard. School is the most important thing for you right now. School work comes before everything else. Before basketball practice, before talking with friends on the phone, AND especially before making another Musical.ly video. I don’t expect you to get 100% on every test, but I do expect you to study and do your best.
Ask for Help. You are in 6th grade. You don’t know everything, even if you think you do. It is okay to ask questions and ask for help. You have so many people in your life who are here to help you succeed. Please do not be scared to ask a million questions.
Always be Kind. You are going to meet a lot of people. You never know what anyone else is struggling with, so always remember to be kind. Flash that beautiful smile of yours to everyone you meet. It will brighten their day. Middle School girls can and will be mean. I don’t want you to ever be one of the “mean” girls. It’s easy to be a jerk, but you can choose to be compassionate and inclusive EVEN if it isn’t the most popular option. It matters how you treat people. It. Matters. A. Lot.
Be Organized. You knew this one was coming. I have spent my whole life telling you to be more organized. Middle School life is more complicated than anything you’ve experienced yet, and it is super important to have things organized to make life easier. Use your time wisely, and keep your locker, your backpack, your folders, and your life organized. I will help you, and you can thank me later.
Be Yourself. You are an amazing human being! God made you just they way you are and that is special. Don’t let anyone tell you other wise. People will come into your life who will try to tear you down. Telling you to act a certain way … dress a certain way … talk a certain way … all to “fit” in. You are not meant to “fit” in to anything. You are perfect just the way you are. You were meant to stand out and be YOU. If others cannot see how fantastic and remarkable you are, that is their loss and just tell them … Bye, Felicia!
The most important thing to remember is that your father and I will always love you. No matter how many mistakes you make or how many times you fall, we are here for you.
Anytime you need a shoulder to cry on…. we are here.
Anytime you are struggling…. we are here.
Anytime you are lost…. we are here.
Anytime you are full of joy…. we are here.
Anytime you can’t find the words… we are here.
Anytime your heart is breaking…. we are here.
Anytime. Anytime you need us….. we are here.
You are not alone.
You are ready for this big step. I know you are! (Wipes tear away.)
You will learn and experience so much in these next three years. Have fun!
As I watch you disappear behind those Middle School doors for the first time, I will say a little prayer and hope that we have prepared you enough for this big adventure — the adventure of Middle School…
Love, Mom
I love this, Lynn. I can’t imagine all the emotions you are going through right now – but your advice could be for your soon-to-be-middle-schooler or for pretty much anyone else. You have such wonderful perspective.
Hang on tight, believe it or not, middle school and high school go by in a flash…even faster than elementary school! I know you will enjoy every stage of your children’s lives, but really, hang on.