Admittedly: College Admissions with Thomas Caleel S4E24: The Road Starts Early — Middle School Advice With Dr. Peggy Burich Smith
Aug 3, 2025
Dr. Peggy Burich-Smith, a senior counselor and veteran educator with over 30 years in independent school leadership, shares invaluable insights on raising grounded middle schoolers. She discusses navigating the often turbulent parent-child dynamics during these formative years. Peggy emphasizes the importance of choosing the right school for a child's individual needs, embracing mistakes for personal growth, and the crucial role of external guidance for successful college preparation. This conversation is a heartfelt roadmap for parents aiming to support their children's journeys.
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Middle Schoolers Are Underrated
- Middle schoolers are inventive, socially aware, and teach adults as much as they learn.
- Peggy urges we tap their imagination and language play rather than dismiss them as difficult.
Plan Early Without Crushing Childhood
- Plan and work with your child early but avoid obsessing or eliminating childhood joy.
- Encourage goal-setting, conversation, and incremental effort during middle school years.
Support Core Skills Before Tests
- Honor teacher recommendations but proactively use remediation or summer work to reach the right math track.
- Boost language arts through daily habits like audiobooks, family journals, and reading games.
