Parent-Student Communication: A Middle Level School Challenge

Sessions I and II: Parents Only; What Are Kids Really Like Today? In the first two sessions films and lectures were used to share up-to-date information on the characteristics of transescents and to give parents an opportunity to share concerns about parenting this age group. During the first session, facilitators asked each parent to write ten words that would describe their transescent boy or girl. These descriptions were then shared with the entire group. Words most frequently used to describe boys included: emotional, athletic, forgetful, absent minded, lacking self-confidence, nervous, warm, intelligent, self-centered, aggressive, creative, non-communicative, disorganized, childish, awkward, humorous, shy, and know-it-all. Words frequently used to describe girls included: social, sensitive, moody, bossy, mature, self-confident, loving, shy, intelligent, lazy, volatile, independent, curious, fashion conscious, does not like criticism, procrastinator, cruel, helpful, and creative. Parents saw girls at this age as being far more social than boys. Parents were also asked to list concerns