The Top Ten Truths
(that a middle schooler will never tell you)

1. We are highly sensitive to criticism (it takes 10 praise statements to erase 1 "slam").
2. We need frequent affirmation from adults (but won't admit it).
3. We search for identity and acceptance from peers (almost at all costs).
4. We need to "get physical" (have movement built into our seat time).
5. We are often erratic and inconsistent in behavior (we can't help it, everything's changing too fast)!
6. We always know whether you are being authentic.
7. We need to learn about "real-life stuff" that has meaning or application in our world.
8. We need choices (we're testing out our decision-making skills).
9. We care A LOT about what you think about us (what you believe about us will become our reality).
10. We are "educated by what the grown up is and not by his/her talk" (C.G. Jung) (ie: we are always "watching" what you do and how you act in all situations).