Middle school can be scary for kids. A new book helps parents navigate these 'turbulent times'

By Steve Kraske,

Published September 12, 2023 at 3:00 PM CDT

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Phyllis Fagell, school counselor and author of "Middle School Superpowers: Raising Resilient Tweens in Turbulent Times," joined Up To Date to discuss navigating middle school.

Lost between the years of playground kid and independent high schooler are the transitional years of middle school. Author Phyllis Fagell shares resources to help parents and adolescents communicate and cope through the years when kids are impressionable and trying to fit in.

Middle school is an age when academics becomes more fast-paced, cyberbullying becomes a potential threat, and friendships experience turbulence.

"The only way to help build our kids' confidence and belief in themselves is for them to actually stumble, for them to get out there, experiment," school counselor and author Phyllis Fagell told KCUR's Up To Date.

In her new book, "Middle School Superpowers: Raising Resilient Tweens in Turbulent Times," Fagell provides families with tools to develop resiliency as they navigate social, emotional and developmental challenges.

Phyllis Fagell will speak at the Madam President Camp, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 13 at 5801 W. 135th Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66223.

Phyllis Fagell, counselor and author, "Middle School Superpowers: Raising Resilient Tweens in Turbulent Times"