Eighth Grade
Eighth Grade is one of the absolute hardest years of the tween/teen years because you are trying to figure out who you are as you a person. Life changes no matter what stage you are in and teaching our children to embrace themselves and the changes. Sometimes life has a way of getting in our way, and we need to encourage our children to be strong, courageous, and of course self-reliant while believing that they are the best human they can be. This new movie is the modern Judy Blum’s story and is perfect for parents and kids to watch together.
While our daughter Liz is now 20 and expecting her first child, even she enjoyed watching this fun film. I challenge each and everyone of you to gather your teens and watch Eighth Grade together. Then discuss and how Kayla and they are alike. Then make your own Time Capsule like she did in the movie.
About Eighth Grade
Eighth Grade, the coming of age story starring Elsie Fisher about self-love, family and the awkwardness that is middle school will be available on Blu-Ray + DVD 10/9/18.
To celebrate the release, we would received all of the above to have a family movie night and screen the movie. The snacks were perfect and since Liz is on bedrest it was the perfect distraction. We even had a fun time creating our own capsule just like Kayla makes in the movies and for the SpongeBob USB we recorded messages for our little guy to listen to during his Eighth-grade year. While it will be a long time before that days comes, I think having a time capsule to go through will be the perfect solution for our family.
Conversation Starters
I encourage each and every one of you to spend some time talking and listening to your kids. If you need a few conversation starters to check out the ones I included below.
What did you think about Kayla’s personality online compared to in person with her dad or at school? Was one better than the other?
Research shows: Social media encourages kids to present an idealized version of themselves which breeds a sort of perfectionism, or belief that we should always be smiling, beautiful and successful. This unrealistic pressure is known to increase anxiety, depression and reduce self-esteem.
Invite your children to talk about what they think are good boundaries for their own access and freedom with technology. Ask them to show you different ways they use it, different pages they like, or personalities they follow.
What do you think of the way that Kayla handled her encounter in the car with the older boy? How do you think you would have reacted? What do you think could have helped Kayla handle that situation differently.
No matter what it is very important to talk to your teen and encourage them to be themselves and work through all of those teenager problems and day to day issues.
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