Middle school – it’s a phase of life often met with groans, eye rolls, and maybe a little trepidation. But as a middle grades teacher and a parent of three teenagers, I’m here to tell you that middle schoolers are an absolute treasure. They’re a delightful mix of awkwardness, brilliance, and unfiltered honesty that will leave you laughing, crying, and ultimately, incredibly grateful for their presence in your life.

Why Middle Schoolers Are Awesome (On God!)

• Authenticity. Middle schoolers haven’t yet mastered the art of social pretense. They say what they think, wear what they want, and dance like no one’s watching (even when everyone is). They’re unapologetically themselves, embracing their quirks and passions with a level of slay that’s inspiring.
• Curiosity. They’re always asking “why?” and “how?”, their thirst for knowledge pushing them to explore new ideas and challenge the status quo.
• Creativity. Middle schoolers are bursting with creative energy. Their creations are bussin. They write stories, make art, compose music, and build inventions with a passion that’s contagious. Their imaginations know no bounds.
• Openness. This is a time of immense growth and change. Middle schoolers are figuring out who they are, what they believe in, and what they want to do with their lives. Unlike some adults, their open-mindedness and ability to accept others is a breath of fresh air. It’s like they’re giving us a masterclass in tolerance and inclusivity, and honestly, we could all learn a thing or two from them. #GenerationGoals
• Resilience. Forget the stereotypes you’ve heard about Gen Z being lazy and unmotivated, middle schoolers face challenges and setbacks with a determination that’s truly inspiring. They learn to bounce back from mistakes, navigate social complexities, and advocate for themselves and others. Their resilience is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Why Middle Schoolers Are Hilarious

• Awkwardness Overload. They trip, stumble, and say the wrong thing with a comedic timing that rivals professional comedians.
• Middle School Logic. Their reasoning can be…interesting. “I can’t clean my room because I can’t find the floor.” “I didn’t study for the test because I didn’t know there was a test.”
• Slang. Their secret language of memes and references is a constant source of amusement. (Do you even know what simping means? Does anyone?) Want to watch them really lose their minds?? Use some of their slang. Skibbidi Ohio rizz. It doesn’t matter what it means. As soon as you say it, it’s no longer cool.
• Drama Llama. Middle school drama is a thing of legend. Full of friend breakups, crushes, social hierarchies, and accusations of pick-me energy that takes on a life of its own.
• Unfiltered Comments. They have zero filter, no matter how embarrassing or hilarious it may be. They have no problem telling you exactly what they think, whether it’s about your outfit, your cooking, or your taste in music. Their brutal honesty can be shocking, but it’s also undeniably funny.

Embracing the Middle School Years (and the Eye Rolls That Come With Them)

Yes, the middle school years can be a roller coaster of emotions, complete with dramatic sighs, eye rolls that could launch a rocket, and a vocabulary that consists mainly of bruh and sus. But hey, who doesn’t love a good challenge, right? 😅

In all seriousness, this phase is also a time of incredible growth, learning, and laughter. As parents and educators, it’s our job to be their cheerleaders, therapists, and translators (because seriously, what does snatched even mean?). We celebrate their wins, help them learn from their cringe-worthy fails, and try our best to decipher their ever-evolving slang.

So, buckle up and embrace the chaos! The middle school years are a wild ride, but they’re also a precious and hilarious gift. And remember, one day they’ll be adults, and you’ll probably miss the days when their biggest worry was who had the drippiest outfit. 😉