We Need to Talk: 8th Grade Challenges
October 20, 2011
On the cusp of high school, your 8th grader feels ready for a leap of independence. But how much is too much? What are appropriate limits at this age, and should you worry if your 8th grader keeps trying to break them? What kinds of consequences work best? Can an 8th grader be “too social” or not social enough, and how would this look in your son or daughter? How do you separate out typical adolescent mood swings from a potentially more serious issue? What types of media are okay, and how much? What do you say if you suspect (or know) that they or their friends are experimenting with drinking, sex, drugs, or self-harm such as cutting; or other risky behaviors?
