A Letter to My Child: My Loving Advice for You During Your Middle School Years by Ann Marie Patitucci

Dear Son,

You’ve survived the first week of middle school! You’ve successfully opened your locker, navigated the busy hallways and found your way to all of your classes. Now that you’ve gotten these basics down, you are able to focus on some other important things. Just as you are growing and changing, so is the environment around you. As you begin this new chapter of your life, I have some loving advice for you: 

• Be kind. Kindness matters.

• Be yourself. You are unique and amazing just as you are. Don’t change who you are in order to follow the crowd or “fit in.”

• Try new things. Join a club; try out for a sports team. This is where you’ll find your passions and “your people,” and they will make all the difference for you.

• Surround yourself with positive people and good friends. Make sure you’re a good friend to others, too.

• Work hard and always do your best.

• Don’t try to have all the answers, or act like you do. You’re not supposed to, and that’s OK.

• Do what you know is right. If your friends pressure you to do something that you know in your gut is wrong, trust your instincts. You’ll know in your heart what to do.

• Before you say something (or post something, once we allow you to use social media), remember to THINK: Is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Kind?

• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Sometimes we learn more from our mistakes than our successes.

• Know that you are loved and supported. Dad and I will always be here to help you, as will your support system at school.

• Talk to us. We’ll always be here to listen. Don’t ever feel like you have to solve a problem alone; you are never alone.

• Finally, have fun. While middle school will have its challenges for you and your friends, it will also be a lot of fun. It’ll go by faster than you think, too, so do what makes you happy. 

Be happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.

With love, 

Mom

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