'Middle School Superpowers' book helps parents navigate the often-tough middle school years

Do you have a child in middle school? If so, you may have noticed that they’re going through a lot of changes. And some of those changes can cause confusion and even conflict for kids and their parents.

School counselor Phyllis Fagell is here to help. Fagell wrote the book “Middle School Matters” and just published “Middle School Superheroes: Raising Resilient Tweens in Turbulent Times.” The book has tips and strategies to aid parents and teachers in guiding kids through the often rough waters of middle school.

Phyllis Fagell is the author of “Middle School Superpowers.” (Courtesy of Phyllis Fagell)

5 questions with Phyllis Fagell

Where are middle schoolers at, in terms of brain development and puberty?

“It’s such an interesting age because they can have that little kid in them or they can be incredibly sophisticated within the same hour. And relating to them requires treating them as if they’re a little bit older and more sophisticated than they are because they so desperately want to be seen as capable and competent because they’re so insecure.

“I love this