How to Treat a Middle School Child

This poem, whose author is anonymous, really speaks to me as the new school year begins with my eighth graders:

How to Treat a Middle School Child

Love me when it's hardest to do,

Love me when I don't like you.

Give me, but with restraint,

Never let me say, "I can't".

Support me no matter what,

But recognize when it's my fault.

Accept me whenever I dare,

Always show me that you care.

Guide me without a fight,

Hug me every time I'm right.

Warm me when you think I'm wrong,

Help me always be strong.

Understand when I'm difficult,

Or hostile, angry, rude & abrupt.

If you can do this when I'm thirteen,

You'll be proud of me when I'm eighteen.

It's hard to be the kid in between,

If you'll remember, you'll know what I mean.

So help me through this trying time,

And one day soon, I promise, 

I'll shine.