"E" stands for Emotional

The fifth developmental area that you may want to know more about is the “E" in SPICE”, which stands for Emotional. This is the area that addresses the impossible to predict roller coaster of emotions that middle school students deal with. The students at this age are also extremely unpredictable with their emotions, and most of the time can’t even control them. 

Variety of Emotions

The emotions that middle school students have are extremely unpredictable as well as frequent. It is important to know that, “young adolescents may have emotions that are unpredictable, extreme, and unstable. They may be moody, anxious, angry, and embarrassed by things that we don’t see as important” (33).

As parents you should also know that the transition from elementary to middle school is a huge change for children. Therefore, “the transition from elementary to middle school carries with it a myriad of changes that to a 10- or 11- year old may seem overwhelming” (33).

Interrelatedness

According to Powell, “emotional development is interrelated with both physical and intellectual development” (33). This means that your child’s emotions will influence their ability to pay attention and retain the information that they learn. Therefore, it is important for us as teacher to be aware of this and teach with that in mind.

Worry

Another thing that students deal with is worrying. Children at this age tend to worry about everyone and everything. Also, “their fears have changed from those of childhood concerns to concerns about social and appearance issues, such as, “Do I fit in? Does my hair look okay and Will I be able to sit with those girls at lunch?

According to Powell, “from an adult perspective, the sources of these negative emotions may seem trivial, but remember that our perceptions become our realities” (35). It is important for both us as teachers and you as parents to know how to acknowledge students when they are upset. For example, “when a 12-year-old girl is crying because she found uncomplimentary notes written about her by kids she considered as friends, the last thing she wants to hear is “It’s no big deal, you’ll find new friends.” Instead, we should acknowledge that she is hurt” (35). It is extremely important to be aware of her feelings and acknowledge her based on how she is acting. Also, “the gift of an understanding ear will allow her to express her feelings and know that someone cares. It won’t take away the hurt, but it will legitimize he emotions and give her the opportunity to work through the grief of the moment” (35).

Therefore, it is important to remember as parents of an adolescent,  that your children will go a variety of different emotions at this age. Also, please know that the four of us as well as the guidance counselors are available to talk to both you and your child as needed!