We at A Child Grows would love to suggest some spring reading! “Not Much Just Chillin’: The Hidden Lives of Middle Schoolers,” is a must-read for all of us who are either parents or educators; it’s been around for a little while, but nonetheless contains timeless wisdom. Author Linda Perlstein goes where so many adults just can’t, in her year-long examination of a group of suburban middle schoolers. Underneath their chillin’ is a lot more. Do you remember what it was like to be overwhelmed with homework, finding your own identity, maybe being barreled over by an earth shattering crush, and having puberty set on- all at once? You may have tried to block your middle school years out, but it is crucial to reconnect with what your own child may be experiencing (now, or coming up). When only a year or two ago, preteens were mere children- this time in life is rife with turmoil and confusion. Meanwhile, parents can often mistake the prickly-ness of their kid’s don’t-touch-me facade for a different sort of circumstances, not understanding what type of support they may really be looking for.
