Support: Coming alongside others and providing gentle, appropriate assistance with a problem or struggle. (Galatians 6:2)
Middle School!!! Crazy!
I think middle school is the hardest time in our lives! Changing bodies, voice cracking, hormones raging, peer pressure, in between child and adult…..so much to deal with! Do you think someone in this situation needs support??? Ummm. YES!!!
Do you have or know a middle schooler??? Oh, how they need to feel supported by those who are important to them.
Do you remember when??? What would have helped you during those times? Do you think the middle schooler in your life would feel the same?? Whether or not a child in your life is a “middle schooler”, children at any stage need our support. Would you ask God to reveal someone or more than one someone for whom you can make a difference? Would you keep that child or those children in mind as you finish this conversation starter – 52 Week Plan?
Jesus – The Light of the World: (Jesus Meets Our Need For Support)
Anxiety goes hand in hand most times with middle school-aged children. How can we teach them how Jesus deals with their anxiety, awkwardness,acceptance, support? Share scripture with them!!!
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Ps: 91:4
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Ps. 94:19
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
God does not simply make these promises in scripture, He fulfills them! Do you remember a time in your life, maybe even middle school, when God lifted you up? Do you remember a time God graciously sent a person to you at just the right time to lend a hand of support and help? Remember with Him and thank Him! Maybe even take time to thank the person God used at that critical time in your life.
His Word – A lamp and a Light
Let’s do: Galatians 6:2: Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
One of the best ways to be a burden-carrier for your kids is to be a safe place for them to receive support and other relational needs. By having appropriate, open communication with your children as “the daily norm” opens the way for having some of those key conversations. Wouldn’t it have been great (maybe it was for you) to have adults in your life during your own turbulent times with whom you could be honest and open about fears, anxieties, troubles etc…?
Another type of conversation you might want to have as a teaching moment would be to teach your child how to be a burden-carrier for their peers. Teaching sensitivity to others needs is a valuable life lesson and may even benefit their own life along the way. Often when we help others we feel better in return!
If your child comes to you and shares a hurt that a friend may have shared, teach them how to be Jesus’ hands and feet and grow their ability to have empathy and give appropriate support.
You And I Are “The Light of the World” – Jesus Said So
Can you share with your middle-schooler times in your life, possibly a middle school story of your own, when God showed up!? Share how God and others supported you through that time.
I bet your child would feel supported by your story because you can empathize! I am not saying to not validate your child’s feelings by sharing your story, but simply and briefly share the support of others and how that made you feel during that time. It is important that your child feels “heard”. When they talk about something that involves emotions, they will need more of a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on much more than facts and logic and advice…at least initially. In fact, if we let them know we care, they may be more open to bring really important life events to us for counsel and our adult perspective..
Your middle schooler’s concerns, thoughts and feelings may seem irrational to you as an adult, but remember – to them – it is the world they are living in at the moment. Listen well to him/her, give support, comfort, encouragement and/or just let them have a good cry on your shoulder. Be their lighthouse in a raging sea of emotions and thoughts. Your child needs you more than ever during middle school, even if they act like they don’t.