In this episode of The Peaceful Parenting Podcast, I talk with Phyllis Fagell, a licensed clinical counselor, school counselor, and author of two books. We discuss how to parent Middle Schoolers (9-15 year olds) and focus on staying curious and coaching them through challenges with friends.

We talk about:

• 3:55 Why middle school is parents’ “Last best chance” 

• 5:42 Some differences based on gender during Middle School

• 7:35 Fitting in vs. Belonging

• 10:00 Our role as parents when witnessing friend conflicts

• 15:10 Balancing accepting kids as they are and helping with social skills

• 20:00 How to lead with curiosity when our kids are unkind 

• 25:11 Characteristics of bullying

• 28:22 What to do if your child is being bullied

• 36:00 FOPO (Fear of Other People’s Opinions)

• 40:45 How to know if your child needs additional support

• 42:36 How did COVID affect middle schoolers

Download the episode transcript HERE 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Middle School Matters https://amzn.to/4brcCbo 

• Middle School Superpowers https://amzn.to/3y8eeZp 

• The Congruence App (voice activated self coaching for teens)- Email service@congruence.app for a free month. Include the name “The Peaceful Parent Podcast” in the subject of the email

• https://phyllisfagell.com/

• IG @pfagell

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