The start of a new school year is always an exciting time! Students are coming back into the class and seeing old friends, in addition to meeting new people and getting to be friends with them. But it can also be a time of tremendous stress, anxiety, and concern. The middle school years are pivotal years in which much will change about every aspect of your young person, and you need to be prepared for it. That's why MrSimons.com wants to provide you with as much practical information as possible so that the year gets started on the right foot.

I have compiled a Middle School Survival Guide for your consultation and use. Please feel free to refer to it often, so that when those troubling times come (and they will), you'll have a basic idea of what to expect and how you can handle them more smoothly. If you need to talk with me, please send me a note through my Request a Conference form, and I'll be more than happy to sit down and talk with you, then jointly we can decide a plan of action.

• Middle School Survival Guide

I don't have all the answers, and I'm not a "know-it-all", but sharing and communication is a great way to work out situations and concerns with your young person. Together we can make a big impact where there is a unified school and home front. And if there are spiritual issues, then that's where the church enters the picture too. If you want your young person in a parent-teacher conference, please have him or her present. That's why good teachers are here; a great teacher really wants your young person to succeed in their classes at school. And I'm sure you want to keep from losing all your hair prematurely!