MISSION (The What)
The mission of this blog is to encourage more adults to better understand and be more involved in the lives of early-adolescent children (10-14 year olds), so that these children may actually enjoy their chrysalis-like transformation into adulthood. The purpose of this blog is to create an online community of people who deeply desire to help early adolescents grow up well, “more than fine, more than bent on getting by… more than just ok.” (Switchfoot)
TARGET (The Who)
The readers of this blog are parents, grandparents, youth group leaders, middle school teachers, scouting leaders, coaches, and any other mentors of those in early adolescence (ages 10-14). Generally, it is a wide variety of people who are interested in living, and raising kids to live, according to Christian principles, although this blog is for a wider audience than just Christians.
STRATEGY (The How)
I will take a common sense approach to discuss the things I am seeing and hearing in the halls of my middle school, my home, my church, and the media. Hopefully, others will join me in the discussions, and by pooling our common sense, we will all benefit.
CONVICTIONS (The Why)
• The best way to help a child is to help his parents, his teachers, his coaches, and every other adult in his life to love him more effectively.
• A major part of growing up well is learning to love and serve God and the people He has placed in our lives. Helping others honors God.
My son drew this for me.
THE AUTHOR
My name is Andy Kerckhoff. I married my best friend in 1993, a cute girl I met back in 1984 at summer camp when we were 13. She is now a full-time mom, part-time tutor, and a much better parent and teacher than I am; she inspires much of my thinking. We have a 14-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter. Our daughter has severe physical and mental disabilities; she can’t walk or talk, among other serious issues (epilepsy, restricted diet, etc.), but she lives a full life, loving others well. Our family life is demanding and frustrating, but it is rich in love and laughter.
I’ve been a full-time educator since 1993, working in Texas and Montana in my early years. I now teach 7th grade English, Social Studies, and Cross Country at Westminster Christian Academy in St. Louis. In the past I have been a camp counselor, an English teacher at an alternative high school, the principal of an elementary school, and a basketball coach.
My approach to writing this blog is neither as an academic researcher nor as any kind of self-proclaimed expert. I aim to take a common sense approach to discuss the things — good and bad — that I am seeing and hearing in the halls of my middle school, my home, my church, and in the media. I welcome comments and responses.
What is Early Adolescence?
This stage in life, known as early adolescence, is a time of transformation for children in grades 4-8, who range in age from 10-14. They are searching for meaning and value in their lives, often very successfully. However, they often struggle with conflicting identity issues, weak self-esteem, and significant peer pressure, in addition to struggling with their academic, athletic, and other performance-based activities. Early adolescents are trying desperately to understand themselves, their world, and where they can fit in successfully and happily. It is a time of great turmoil for some, while for others it is a time of great excitement and wonder. For most, it is both an exciting adventure entering a larger world and a terribly anxious time of uncertainty.
NOTE: Some thoughts about language:
I am a big believer in treating young people with respect, and that includes the labels we give them. Because the age range (10-14) of early adolescence is such a transformational time, the terms can be tricky. For instance, an immature ten-year-old is much more of a “small child” than a highly-mature 14-year-old, who is clearly a “young adult.” So, I struggle with labels. “Teenager” refers to 13+ year olds – a term which for many has come to mean little more than a self-centered, non-productive brat. “Preteen” refers to 12 and under. “Youth” is way too vague and awkward. “Early adolescent” is the most accurate term for this website, but it is an awkward, rarely-used term. “Middle school student” is also awkward at times, and it more commonly refers to grades 6-8 (age 12-14). Marketers have labeled preteen girls who spend money without care as “tweens,” which I find belittling. So, I will have to work without a simple labeling system. “Children” and “kids” are the more common terms which I will use most, even though I wish for better terms.
This is an outstanding, important website that will be a great resource for parents, teachers, and anyone involved in the lives of 10-14 year olds. Thank you for taking the time to share your insights and provide a venue for others to learn, provide insights, and share information.
I am so excited you are taking the time to write this blog. I am confident it is and will continue to be a blessing to all who partake in it and share their experiences through wisdom, victories, and defeats. Thank you for setting aside your time to help us focus on what we all truly desire: to love our kids effectively.
I’m encouraged by your willingness and vision to help adults exert their influence well during the important preadolescent years. I hope that many teachers, administrators, parents and coaches avail themselves of this resource.
All the best on the first day of school! (I remember well my butterflies on the night before as a teacher.) Feel free to send me feedback on Tumblon and what would make it even more compelling to educators: graham at tumblon.com.
I really appreciate your writings and look forward to hearing more. I am also thankful you are influencing a lot of our young people by teaching them. Our kids need as much positive influence as possible. . . .
Wow, this is sure one cool site you got going here, Mr. K. Good work!
I would just like to say that for the past 9 years I have been inspired by your family. Rarely do I meet people who balance time for spouse, kids, work and play as well as you all. Excellent job on the website!
I would also like to say, you did a great job on the website.
Your family is an inspiration to me and my daughter, Lolia.
God bless
Agitha & Lolia
I’m a new blogger and pretty much a social media neophyte. I am particularly interested in your great blog because i am an adult who appreciates help raising kids and your content is outstanding. Jumped on here today and saw your post and the stats you shared. Congrats on a great year! So here’s what has me curious: why do you choose to remain so anonymous? with such helpful and appreciated content, why not do a touch of promotion? Twitter? As a sales guy / sales coach, i can’t help but wonder how many more people would be exposed to this great, valuable and super-helpful blog if it had just a bit more exposure. — and those compliments have nothing to do with the fact that my daughter will show up in your classroom tomorrow for the first time
Here’s to a fantastic impactful school year and another wonderful year for growingupwell.org!
Well, I am taking the plunge into Twitter thanks to Mike W and my Fandango brothers. Thanks for the push.
Love Mike’s comment:)
Hello!
I am a college student about three years in, working towards a degree under TV/Film to become a film director. Currently, I am working on a project that involves the creation of an original PSA (Public Service Announcement) for a Media Scriptwriting and Storyboarding course. I wanted to tackle the overuse of texting these days among teens and young adults because it is a very prevalent I encounter daily. Whether it’s in a class that other students are hiding their cell phones behind their desks texting away or if it’s with some of my own friends, totally engrossed in their digital conversations of mispelled and uneducated word choices, I believe that texting is engulfing normal conversation far too much and bringing about social problems from its daily abuse for unnecessary reasons. Don’t get me wrong, it is truly an incredible technological innovation, and I partake in my fair share. I just want to make the public more aware that it should be used in moderation, as your article “Texting vs. Talking” addresses smartly. If you could please give me a way to contact you so that I may use your site as a resource in my PSA project with your permission, I’d greatly appreciate it! Thank you for taking the time to create such a great website and helping make the world a better place for parents and children alike!
I am happy to allow use of my articles for any educational purposes, as long as the source is cited.
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That there is my boy. He used to love to run and play on the small farm I had grown up on. He’s learned much, and is a great dad!
As a former elementary teacher and the mother of two children, I really appreciate the opportunity you are giving to others to understand a little more the life of an adolesent. Times have changed and adults need to be open to learning how to communicate and assist children as they go through this developmental stage of life. Thank you for what you do.