When I was in 7th or 8th grade, my middle school librarian decided to make an “All About Middle School” video for incoming 5th graders—a behind-the-scenes peek at the excitement (and terror) of grades 6–8. This was the ’80s, so she lugged around a video camera roughly the size of a carry-on suitcase, popping into random classes to capture “authentic” moments.
The most memorable—and unfortunate—moment she captured? My gym class.
We were in the gymnastics unit, and let me tell you, I was not a gymnast. I had quit gymnastics years earlier in favor of Saturday mornings spent doing absolutely nothing. But my gym teachers had not received that memo. The unit was on, and the stations were set: balance beam, tumbling mats, parallel bars, ropes that dangled from the ceiling with a sad little three-inch mat beneath (safety was more of a suggestion in the ’80s), and my personal nemesis—the vault.
I knew the tuck vault was going to get the better of me. My arms were too short, my legs too sturdy, and my back too inflexible. My spotting partner—a seasoned gymnast—had all the enthusiasm of a cat watching a ceiling fan. Still, I ran, hit the springboard, planted my hands, and prayed for a clean vault. My head and shoulders made it over just fine… my feet, however, did not. They caught on the front edge, launching me into a head-first landing on the far side, directly in front of Mike Baker—the kid known for offering loud, unfiltered commentary on his classmates’ failures.
He laughed. The librarian filmed. And this graceful moment in athletic history was immortalized for every rising 5th grader in the district to watch.
Why am I telling you this? Because middle school is exactly like that vault: awkward, unpredictable, and often a head-first leap you know might not end gracefully—but you have to try anyway. And while your middle schooler may not have a VHS record of their most cringe-worthy moments, many do have a smartphone in their backpack ready to capture them in high-definition.
Which brings us to this week’s episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped.
Middle school parenting tips can feel like a lifeline when you’re staring down the wild, wonderful, and often awkward years of grades 6–8. These are the years when your once-cute kid is suddenly a mix of sarcasm, strong opinions, growth spurts, and unexpected sweetness—and you’re just trying to keep up.
In this week’s episode, part of our August series Nature of the Beast, Melissa and I sat down with veteran middle school counselor (and mom of twins) Mary Foard to talk about what parents can really expect at each grade level. From sixth-grade energy to eighth-grade mood swings, Mary’s perspective is equal parts practical, compassionate, and laugh-out-loud relatable.
Sixth Grade: The Big Leap
Sixth grade is a major transition. Some kids arrive wide-eyed and nervous, others come in acting like they own the place—and many do both in the same week. Parents often take longer to settle in than their kids, which is normal. Mary’s advice? Let your child learn to navigate challenges like missed homework or confusing instructions. Resist the urge to swoop in unless safety is an issue—your goal is to help them build confidence and problem-solving skills.
Seventh Grade: Drama, Comparisons, and Sarcasm
If sixth grade is about finding their place, seventh grade is about figuring out where they stand—and sometimes it feels like a full-time soap opera. Social hierarchies and comparisons kick into high gear, and sarcasm makes its debut (often without a filter). Mary recommends being the calm anchor when social drama hits, and keeping your own middle school baggage out of the equation. Also? Ask before posting photos of your child—privacy starts to matter a lot at this age.
Eighth Grade: Almost High School
Eighth graders are top of the food chain in middle school, but also have one foot in high school territory. Mood swings can be intense, and “indoor cat mode” (aka spending more time in their rooms) is common. Mary stresses the importance of regular, low-key touch points—dinner together, chats in the car, and actual face-to-face time (the kind without screens). These connections help counterbalance the constant social media messages shaping their still-developing values.
Parenting Mindset Shifts
Across all grades, Mary reminds parents: you don’t need your child to agree with you to hold a boundary. Explain your reasoning if you choose, but don’t make agreement the goal. And when your child comes home with a “charged statement” about school or friends, get the full context before reacting.
Middle school can be exhausting, hilarious, and deeply rewarding all at once. Like my ill-fated vault, it may not always be graceful—but with a little humor, a lot of patience, and these middle school parenting tips, you can guide your child through these years with connection intact—and maybe even enjoy the ride.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here.
Catch up on the previous Nature of the Beast Episodes here:
Nature of the Beast: College Edition: Listen to the Podcast | Read the Blog
Nature of the Beast: High School Edition: Listen to the Podcast | Read the Blog
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