KQED News Mind/Shift – Deborah Farmer Kris 
At this age, children are like young anthropologists: They are remarkably attuned to the actions and reactions of the people around them, and they are hardwired to seek peer approval. But middle schoolers are also hyperaware of the adults in their lives and hungry for their love and attention.“Kids have a Ph.D. in you,” says Fagell. “They are watching everything you do. As a role model, you can transmit messages about your values through what you say and what you do. And they are capable of absorbing those messages. Developmentally, it is imperative for them to pull away from you, but they still care about what you think, and they are not as set in their ways as high schoolers.” Most middle schoolers are insecure, says Fagell. After all, they are undergoing a profound physical and neurological growth spurt, and “no one gets out unchanged.” Because of that, they constantly question whether they are good enough, smart enough, attractive enough or athletic enough. (more)