We moved a couple of years ago and my seventh-grader is having trouble finding friends. He says some kids are calling him a wimp and teasing him about not making sports teams. This is the first year he has tried out for competitive team sports. He seems very lonely and depressed. During the middle-school years, students need to feel competent, valued, and connected.
Peer groups play an important role in all three.
But when our children s peers are not as supportive as we would like, our kids need to seek out other groups. Then the peer group will seem easier to conquer, and less important. Try to get your son involved in activities for which he has a natural talent, especially service projects in the school or community. Helping others will make him feel good about himself. Being seen with this student will enhance your son's standing with his peers.