Listen "Podcast 1:31 - Surviving Middle School Kids in a Blended Family"
Episode Synopsis
Find out how Darren & Paige handle Middle Schoolers that are going through "The Change" from perfect little kids to tweenies and teenagers with raging hormones and attitudes as they try and learn to become adults. Throw a blended family and two sets of parents and problems become even more difficult to manage.Middle School aged kidsMiddle school is when Kids get their hormones, Puberty is just as hard on parents as it is on kids.Kids are trying to figure out who they are.FriendshipsSocial media, cell phones and the internetSex, Drugs, AlcoholFaith, and VirtueAdd in Blending familiesAdd on top of that Step-Parents, Step Siblings, etc.. and it can be a disaster.Two homes to deal withComplex schedules with more activities,Doubled up chores and fun.CarpoolsDisciplineRules are differentEasy to get lost in a Blended family. 10 siblings instead of a handful.Kids at this age are already self-conscience about who they are and how they fit in.Helping children feel loved. Normal kids have a hard time with this add-in a step-parent and that insecurity is heightened.Don't disengage when kids act out it further contributes to parent-child discord and marital dissatisfaction.Kids don't have control of the situation which adds to the stress and disillusionment of the current situation.Parents are afraid to parent because they won't be a loved parent. You will compare yourself to your kid's step-parents or bio parent. Survival TipsDemand and Give RespectGet to know your kids' friends.Talk openly with your kids about sex, drugs, and alcohol.Do not pack your kids a bag. Their clothes are their clothes.They need some ownership and control over some things.Know when to walk away with your middle schooler.You and your spouse need to show a common front.Lemonade Moment of the WeekMadeline is self aware enough to interview our Dog about being in a blended family. You have to see the video on youtube. Linkshttps://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/parenting/ages-and-stages/tweens/30-tips-for-raising-middle-schoolers/
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
More episodes of the podcast Where's the Lemonade?
#6.10 Having kids now vs 20 years ago
13/06/2024
#6.9 It's summer time with teenagers
30/05/2024
#6.7 Generative AI in the Household
07/05/2024
#6.4 Co-parenting, Money, and Adult Children
11/04/2024
#6.3 Are You Supportive?
20/03/2024
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.