The transition to middle school is a major life event for parents and youth.

Students worry about:

• Getting to class on time
  
• Finding lockers, classes, and bathrooms
  
• Keeping up with the work
  
• Getting through the crowded halls

Students may also be struggling with concerns about:

• Aggressive or violent behavior from other students
  
• Less connection with their parents
  
• Less free time
  
• Attractiveness and peer status
  
• Physical development differences between males and females
  
• Increasing peer pressure
  
• Development changes associated with puberty
  
• Increased parental expectations
  
• More responsibility

All of this is normal and the best thing you can do is to talk about your feelings, fears and thoughts with your friends, family, parents or other caring adults. You are not alone –- other youth your age are dealing with these same concerns.

This section of our site deals with issues around school and the relationships you have there. You are preparing yourself for life by building your mind and your body (sports) and by developing relationship skills that you will use your entire life.