My 12 year old is getting into middle school next year and I'm worried about him fitting in. I want him to have confidence in his faith but also not be that weird kid at school. How do you guys balance letting them be themselves while also being a light? Any advice on conversations I should be having with him now?
The peer pressure talk doesn't have to be a sit down lecture. Just keep talking to him about his friends and what they're into. My son opens up way more when we're doing something else like shooting hoops or in the car.
Middle school is tough man. I'd focus less on fitting in and more on helping him find his people. One or two solid friends beats being part of the cool crowd anyway. That's what I wish someone told me at that age.
Lead with questions instead of statements. Ask him what he thinks about situations instead of telling him what to think. That's been a game changer for us.
My 13yo is in that phase right now. Honest conversations about why you made certain choices in your own life help way more than saying 'just say no.' He needs to understand your reasoning.
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The fact that you're thinking about this now shows you're already doing better than most. Kids know when you actually care about their perspective versus just trying to control them.