Middle School Girls: The New Frontier

If you think back to the years of middle school, you might have the same embarrassing memories that many people have when reminiscing about middle school. For middle school girls, this is a time of self discovery and insecurities.

Understanding what your tween is going through is important in helping her get through her middle school years.

A changing landscape

Just recently you were setting up her play dates. Now, she’s making her own plans and developing her own unique interests. You might overhear her gossiping with her friends about boy bands, crushes and fashion trends.

She’s getting older, and you should start treating her like a tween instead of a child. Middle school is when your girl will start creating her own universe and breaking off of the familiar family setting you have provided her with for the majority of her life.

Social hierarchy

Middle school should otherwise be known as “the land of cliques.” Even more so than high school, girls in middle school form cliques as a means of coping with low self-esteem, feelings of inferiority and a desire to fit in.

Some girls form cliques because they are natural leaders and crave leading others, no matter the setting. Others ignore the cliques altogether and go off on their own. Whatever your daughter makes of this new social sphere, make sure to be there for her if she finds herself struggling to make friends.

Media influence

For middle school girls, the media plays a huge influence in every aspect of their lives. Watching television shows, such as “Gossip Girl” and “Pretty Little Liars,” inspires tweens to act and dress like characters on their favorite shows.

They are surrounded by the internet constantly. Perpetually on social media, middle school girls can interact with their friends more easily than ever before. However, there is a downside to this instant communication. Cyber bullying is a prevalent issue that has driven middle school girls to develop anxiety, depression and other struggles. Be wary of this for your tween. Monitor her social media usage without being too invasive.

Getting help for your daughter

If your daughter is struggling with low self-esteem, depression or anxiety, Asheville Academy can help. We are a therapeutic boarding school that provides girls with the tools they need to thrive in a traditional school setting. For more information, please call us at 800-264-8709.