The middle school years can leave parents wondering what happened to the child they once understood.

On this episode of Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, Cynthia Tobias and Sue Acuna reveal what middle schoolers are experiencing beneath the moodiness, silence, insecurity, and growing desire for independence—and how parents can remain connected without becoming controlling.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:
🔹 What middle schoolers want most from their parents
🔹 How to listen without dismissing, correcting, or immediately solving the problem
🔹 How social media, comparison, and bullying affect a child’s identity
🔹 How to respond when your child questions faith or struggles emotionally
🔹 How to give your child greater independence while preserving trust and influence

Your middle schooler may need you differently now—but your presence, encouragement, and understanding still matter more than you realize.