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Stuck in the Middle: What Middle Schoolers Really Need From Us | Dr. Terri Daniels

Writer: Tamara Braxton
Tamara Braxton
2 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 10 hours ago

One minute, your child needs you for everything. The next, they're rolling their eyes, demanding independence, and acting like you've never raised a child a day in your life. Sound familiar?

Middle school is a season of big changes, and sometimes parents are just trying to keep up!

In this episode of Middle School Mayhem™, I'm joined by Dr. Terri Daniels, retired middle school administrator, educator, and certified parenting coach, for a candid, funny, and encouraging conversation about what middle schoolers are really experiencing—and why they still need us, even when they're pushing us away.


Watch the Conversation

[EMBED FULL VIDEO HERE]


Prefer to Listen?

[EMBED AUDIO PLAYER HERE]


In This Episode, We Talk About:

  • The middle school transition: Why even academically successful kids can struggle with new expectations, multiple teachers, and increased responsibility.

  • The independence tug-of-war: How to give middle schoolers more freedom while maintaining the boundaries they still need.

  • The after-school meltdown: Why your child might hold it together all day at school only to fall apart when they get home.

  • Behavior versus identity: Helping children learn from poor choices without making them feel like they're bad kids.

  • The home–school partnership: Why that dreaded phone call from school doesn't have to turn into an us-versus-them situation.

  • Keeping the connection: Making time for meaningful conversations, listening without judgment, and staying involved in your child's world.


One Thing to Remember

Your middle schooler may be growing more independent, but that doesn't mean they're ready to navigate everything alone. One of my favorite reminders from this conversation is that our children can push us away and still need us close.


So this week, find a little time to connect. Take a walk. Grab some ice cream. Have a conversation that doesn't begin with a reminder, correction, or question about missing assignments.


Sometimes the most important thing we can give our kids is our time and a safe place to land.


Connect With Dr. Terri Daniels

Dr. Terri Daniels is a retired middle school administrator, educational consultant, speaker, and certified parenting coach passionate about strengthening the partnership between families and schools.


Learn more about her work, speaking, consulting, and parent support services at:






Middle School Mayhem™ helps parents understand adolescent behavior, change the interaction, and strengthen the family. Because Parenting... Doesn't Come With a Pamphlet.

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