Middle School Mayhem - Surviving Our Kids' Awkward Years
Middle school—where eye-rolls are frequent, moods change faster than Wi-Fi connections, and “What’s for dinner?” is somehow a daily emergency.
If you’re parenting a 7th or 8th grader, you know this stage is equal parts challenging and exciting—for both of you. That’s where Middle School Mayhem comes in.
Each week, Bill Renner—middle school principal, dad, husband, and awkward-years survivor—shares practical tips and real-life insights to help you navigate this wild ride. We’ll talk about academic success, social and emotional growth, friendships, technology, resilience… and yes, those cringe-worthy school dances.
Whether you’re looking for strategies to help your child thrive or you need reassurance that the chaos is normal, this podcast will give you both the how-to and the you-got-this. Expect actionable advice you can use immediately—and a few funny stories to remind you that you’re not alone.
So buckle up, bring your sense of humor, and join us as we survive—and maybe even enjoy—these awkward years… together.
Middle School Mayhem - Surviving Our Kids' Awkward Years
Helping Your Child Build Resilience
Middle school is full of bumps, bruises, and breakthroughs. In this week’s episode, Principal Bill Renner explores how to help your child build true resilience by embracing mistakes, developing a growth mindset, and learning healthy ways to cope with stress and setbacks.
🧠You’ll learn:
- What resilience really looks like in middle school
- The one-word mindset shift that can change everything
- How to build a “reset plan” together
- Why letting your child fail (safely) is actually a gift
💬 “You’re not raising someone who gets it right—you’re raising someone who knows how to bounce back.”
🎧 Listen now and learn how to turn everyday moments into resilience-building opportunities.