It's a topic no parent wants to think about, but ignoring it won't make it go away.

Sextortion is a growing threat to kids and teens, and many parents don't realize how easily it can happen.

In this episode of Parenting the Middle School Years, we break down what sextortion is, how predators target kids online, the warning signs parents should watch for, and how to start conversations that could help keep your child safe.

You don't have to scare your kids. You just need to prepare them.

Because it's always better to be prepared than surprised.

This episode is sponsored by Old Towne Custom Concrete, a locally owned Huntsville concrete contractor specializing in quality residential concrete work, including driveways, patios, sidewalks, and more. When you need concrete done right, call Old Towne Custom Concrete at 256-714-9949

What can a mischievous six-year-old and his stuffed tiger teach us about raising middle schoolers? Turns out, quite a bit!

In this episode of Parenting the Middle School Years, Joe Martin shares 5 surprisingly powerful parenting lessons from Calvin and Hobbes that can help parents better understand and connect with their kids.

From handling argumentative middle schoolers and encouraging creativity to building stronger parent-child relationships, you'll discover why the behaviors that frustrate you today might become your child's greatest strengths tomorrow.

We'll also explore why middle schoolers need connection even when they push us away, and why it's important to enjoy this stage of parenting before it's gone.

Whether you're raising a tween, navigating middle school attitude, or looking for practical parenting advice for kids ages 10–14, this episode is for you.

Because your middle schooler doesn't need a perfect parent. They need a present one.

Listen, enjoy, and share with another middle school parent!

This episode is sponsored by Old Towne Custom Concrete, a locally owned Huntsville concrete contractor specializing in quality residential concrete work, including driveways, patios, sidewalks, and more. When you need concrete done right, call Old Towne Custom Concrete at 256-714-9949

We tell kids to choose good friends. But are we teaching them how to BE one?

Middle school friendships can bring belonging, laughter, and support but also gossip, jealousy, hurt feelings, and group chat drama. In this episode of Parenting the Middle School Years with Joe Martin, Joe shares 10 practical friendship rules to help tweens and young teens build trust, respect boundaries, and support each other.

Parents and middle schoolers will learn how to:

• Be loyal to friends when they aren’t around
• Include someone who feels left out
• Support a hurting friend without rushing to offer advice
• Celebrate a friend’s success, even when feeling disappointed
• Keep promises and protect private conversations
• Recognize when a dangerous secret requires a trusted adult’s help
• Have a friend’s back while encouraging better choices and growth
• Respect “no,” give meaningful apologies, and accept differences

Whether your child is navigating changing friend groups, struggling with friendship problems, or learning what healthy friendships look like, these rules give you a useful starting point for conversation.

Listen together, choose one rule to practice, and help your child become the kind of friend they’d want to have.

Share this episode with another parent and follow Parenting the Middle School Years for practical guidance on raising confident, responsible, and resilient kids.

This episode is sponsored by Old Towne Custom Concrete, a locally and veteran owned Huntsville concrete contractor specializing in: decorative concrete, stamped concrete, concrete staining, epoxy garage system's.

When you need concrete done right, call Old Towne Custom Concrete at 256-714-9949