The Mom Memo
The Mom Memo No. 27: Back To School – Tween Edition
Hey Mama
However many books and articles you read, podcasts you listen to, or well-meaning older relatives you try to ignore, nothing REALLY ever prepares you for becoming a mom and having kids. Similarly, nothing can ever prepare you for when those little kids, who used to rely on you for EVERYTHING, start to grow up a bit and pull away. (How DARE they!) You have 2 choices: dig your motherly claws into their lives and refuse to let go or accept reality and help them start becoming more independent. (We’ve looked into the first option and the resulting therapy bills are probably too high.)
If you have an older kiddo making a transition into middle or high school this fall and/or are starting to think about college, we’ve got some tips (practical AND emotional) over the next few weeks to help you both get through some new big life moments unscathed…er, we mean successfully!
Hot Topics
You might be devastated or delighted that the summer is winding down, but either way, a last hurrah is in order. Got ideas for a cheap(ish), local(ish) Labor Day getaway? We want to pick your brain!
Connecting with other local moms has plenty of advantages, not the least of which is snagging kid stuff! Located in Des Moines with a need for baby gear? We’ve got your back. (or actually this mom does!)
Mom2Mom
3 Ways Middle School is Different Than Grade School
Not only does middle school radically change the way your kid attends classes and gets homework, but it happens smack dab in the middle of the most awkward, pubescent time of life. Cool, cool. Help your kid deal while fighting the urge to helicopter mom too much.
- Mo classes = mo stuff
While it goes without saying that transitioning to a school environment with multiple class periods will result in a larger homework/workload, it also means dealing with multiple teachers and learning how to develop different relationships with authority figures. Tackle both: use a planner specifically for work assignments and review daily with your kid (for as long as they need). Help them develop relationships with their teachers by making sure you attend back to school events and get to know them yourself. - Suddenly social!
Hormones, bigger classes, more kids, and developing identities create a sudden focus on social skills and friendships. Cue the DRAMA! Whatever is going on in the Queen Bee circle at school, stay supportive and confident at home. Remind your kiddo to be polite and not judge. Extracurricular activities can be a great place to make new friends, but putting time on the calendar for old friends can also be comforting. Giving your kids some space to figure out who they are and who they want to hang with is key too. - Logistics
Developing time management skills for homework from different classes, remembering a lock combination on their lockers (we STILL have nightmares about this), and getting used to moving from class to class during the day: your kid’s daily to-do’s change a lot when they start middle school. This can be a stressful time, so staying positive and making sure they are eating and sleeping well can help. There can be a fine line between supporting and DOING though, Mama – so make sure you’re giving them enough room to figure it out on their own – they will!
Highschool Freshman Checklist
Just in case you were worried that your high schooler will start to depend less on you, we’re here to deliver the good news: most teens remain fairly irresponsible and needy through the high school years and beyond. PHEW! Here’s how you can help guide them toward success.
- Start extracurricular activities
It’s never too early to start thinking about college applications and helping your kid develop into a well-rounded student – especially on paper – is key. - PSAT Prep
Most students take the PSAT in their sophomore year, but if you want to get a head start – or think your kiddo might need some extra help – look into classes or online courses now. - Relax!
Just because they’ve entered the phase of life where they have to worry about everything going on their permanent records doesn’t mean you should worry about it happening all the time. Help your high school develop new interests and passions without worrying about failing or succeeding. Make family time a priority to keep them grounded and reward hard work with earned privileges.
Kid Joke of the Week
Who says Dads should get all the jokes? Each week we’ll share a fun, clean kid joke that ANY parent can tell!
Q: What did the ocean say to the lifeguard?
A: Nothing, it just waved.
Mothers’ Helpers: TMS Partnerships
Like our inner circle of mom besties, we’re partnering with companies offering products and services we know you’ll love. These are special deals and exclusive benefits for TMS members, so if you haven’t joined, here’s a great reason to get on that. As we develop these relationships, we’ll spotlight our new partners and give you the deets on how to make these rewards work for you! (Know a potential partner we should get to know, too? Introduce us on our Partnership page.)
Exclusive Offer for TMS Members: Get Adventureland Tickets
Excitement awaits at Adventureland Resort in Altoona, IA! Amusement Park and Adventure Bay Waterpark contains over 100 rides, shows, and attractions. Use our unique promo code: MOMSOCIETY to save over $30 on your next family visit.
Explore the City
TAKE THE KIDS
Waukee Arts Festival
July 14 – 15 | Centennial Park, Waukee, IA
Check out one of the area’s fastest-growing and most exciting summer events! The festival opens at 5 pm on Friday July 14th with artist vendors, food trucks, a beer garden, and concert. Enjoy music, art, and lots of kids activities.
Learn more.
Beaverdale Bluegrass Festival
July 15, 5pm | Tower Park In Beaverdale
Enjoy this FREE bluegrass concert set under a majestically illuminated Allen Hazen Water Tower. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and water but please do NOT bring your own beer! Beer sales are how bluegrass artists are paid and concerts continue to be held for free.
Learn more.
Ankeny Community Theater: Auditions for The Addams Family
July 15, 1pm & July 16, 6pm | Ankeny Community Theatre, 1932 SW 3rd Street, Ankeny, IA 50023
Got a budding Wednesday or Pugsley Addams at home? Drag your little goths (age 14+) out of their darkrooms to audition for a comical, musical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family.
Learn more.
Shakespeare on the Lawn presents “Twelfth Night”
Starting July 19 | Salisbury House & Gardens, 4025 Tonawanda Drive, Des Moines, IA 50312
One of William Shakespeare’s most delightful comedies, Twelfth Night, is the story of shipwrecked Viola, who disguises herself as her lost twin brother, and navigates between the courts of the lovesick Duke Orsino and the grieving Countess Olivia. If that sounds complicated, bring along a beverage of your choice to sip while you puzzle it out – but NOT RED WINE.
Learn more.
GET A SITTER
The Moms Society DSM Botox Party
New Date: August 28! | Studio 629
Get together with The Moms Society members for connections, conversations, and Botox to smooth out all those new lines you got from dealing with your kids all summer. Register and hold your spot with a $50 deposit.
Learn more.
Little Shop of Horrors
Starting July 14 | The Playhouse, 831 42nd Street, Des Moines IA 50312
“It talks. It sings. It eats people.” …is truly the greatest description of a live show we’ve heard. A devious, delicious Broadway and Hollywood musical smash, Little Shop of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatergoers for over 30 years.
Learn more.
Women in the Woods with Wine – Dutch Oven Cooking
July 18 (Register by July 16!) 7pm | Jester Park Nature Center
Although we advise you NOT to casually let your spouse know that you’ve decided to learn more about “dutch ovens,” (as that conversation could go off the rails) you’ll actually love learning more about everything from basic cobblers to layered dinners and decadent desserts.
Learn more.
Send Us Your Feedback!
Moms love feedback (unless it’s complaints about the meals we’re serving) so send us your questions, comments, or suggestions about this newsletter!