The Middle School Syndrome

My “A Dad’s Point-of-View” column is carried all over the world and one of the wonderful peripheral benefits I receive is “virtually” meeting so many wonderful editors, publishers, and web-masters.  One of them is Jennifer Jurgens, the news director/executive assistant, at wyomingnetwork.com. They have 17 community websites across Wyoming. She is also a wonderful and involved mom.  Recently, she wrote to me asking some questions that related to her daughter beginning middle school.  Well, to be more accurate, she was suggesting that these questions (a.k.a. issues) could be the basis for one of my columns.

Unlike the “Empty Nest Syndrome,” that is well known, documented, and ubiquitously written about, the “Middle School Syndrome” is my term for what I believe is a newer “syndrome.”  This column will bring this reality out from the shadows where it has lurked!  To be clear, the term “Middle School Syndrome” is mine and it is based on my experiences and those of parents that I know.  I suspect it is widespread, but I’m sure it is not present in every community and every school district.
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