Transitioning from middle to high school is more than a logistics shift. Considering students’ new academic demands, changes in peer groups and developing self-identity, it’s a seismic emotional shift, too. Students and their parents can feel overwhelmed.

Dr. Jennifer Katzenstein, director of psychology, neuropsychology, and social work at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, explored the emotional landscape of this key developmental stage with me. Here, she shares her expertise in pediatric mental health and behavioral health services to help parents of young adolescents understand their emotional challenges, nurture their emotional resilience and support their long-term emotional growth.

What are some of the biggest emotional challenges students face when transitioning from middle to high school?

Dr. K: One of the most significant challenges is anxiety, especially social anxiety. Students become more aware of maturity differences and rising expectations, both academically and socially. Social media amplifies this pressure.

Students have constant access to their peers’ lives, which can fuel feelings of exclusion and inadequacy. The transition often coincides with greater independence and less parental oversight, especially online, which can increase stress.

What does healthy device use look like for young adolescents?

Dr. K: Outside of educational use, aim for no more than two hours of screen time per day. Parents should know every app their child uses, how it's used, and with whom their child interacts.

As an added layer of security, parents can encourage other trusted adults to follow their teen’s social media accounts. Above all, keep communication about tech use open and ongoing.

How can parents help kids prepare for transitioning from middle to high school?

Dr. K: Conversation is key. Daily check-ins, just 10–15 minutes without distractions, help build trust and communication. Ask simple questions like, “What was the best part of your day?” or “What was challenging today?” or stating, “Tell me about your day.”

Over time, parents will develop a stronger understanding of what’s happening in their adolescent’s life. Being present and available lets kids know they can talk when they’re ready.

What role do friendships play in the transition, and how can adults support healthy social connections?

Dr. K: Friendships are vital and can be challenging. Parents must be mindful of how they talk about friendship and how they sustain their own meaningful friendships. Talking with kids about what it means to be a good friend and how to navigate both disagreements and shifting social dynamics is essential.

Discussing trust, over-disclosure, and online behavior – emphasizing that anything shared digitally can become public – is pivotal. These conversations must happen often and evolve as kids grow. Ultimately, kids need to understand what they value in friendships and what it means to be a friend.

How can parents support independence while still providing structure and support?

Dr. K: It’s about finding the balance. Allow independence in decision-making and responsibility while maintaining clear expectations and safety nets. Normalize making mistakes and using those moments as learning opportunities. Independence grows when kids know they're supported and trusted to try things on their own.

Adolescents’ confidence can dip during this stage. How can we help them build it up?

Dr. K: Use the 3-to-1 rule. Give three praises for every one correction or negative feedback. Praise doesn’t have to be big; just a simple ‘you handled that well’ makes a difference. Kids struggling with anxiety or self-doubt significantly benefit from positive reinforcement.

What are some signs that a student may be struggling emotionally with the transition?

Dr. K: Watch for school avoidance, frequent and unexplained physical symptoms, irritability, withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities, changes in sleep or appetite and overall shifts in behavior. Irritability, especially when it disrupts family dynamics, is a key sign of anxiety or depression in teens.

Are there long-term impacts to how students handle the transition to high school?

Dr. K: A successful transition builds confidence and emotional regulation that carries into college and adulthood. Conversely, poor transitions can result in chronic anxiety, difficulty with later transitions and problems with peer relationships. Social media missteps, like inappropriate content, can have lasting consequences. That’s why open dialogue and monitoring are crucial.

How do we build emotional resilience in young adolescents?

Dr. K: Resilience comes from allowing kids to experience failure and then supporting them through it. Oftentimes, parents don’t want kids to feel like they put work into something and didn’t get the outcome they wanted. Instead of shielding them from disappointment, help them process setbacks and model healthy ways of coping. Parents can openly share their own frustrations and how they handle them.

For example, as a parent, sharing that a meeting may not have gone as I planned, but I can model problem solving and next steps, showing my child that challenge is normal and manageable. Resiliency is built in what we do to move forward.

Are there books or tools that can help with the high school transition?

Dr. K: Yes, books like “The Anxious Generation” are great for adults. For teens, it depends on their developmental level. Take them to the bookstore or library and explore options together. This invites self-reflection and creates shared experiences. Journaling or talking with a trusted adult can also help teens both reflect and problem-solve.

Should we encourage self-reflection in teens?

Dr. K: Absolutely. Encourage journaling or verbal reflection. If they don’t want to talk, they can write their thoughts and share them or keep them private. Trusted nonparental adults – mentors, coaches, teachers – can also serve as great outlets. Ask open-ended questions like, “What would you do differently next time?” to spark thoughtful responses.

What mental health resources do you recommend for families?

Dr. K: Ideally, every family would have easy access to a trusted therapist. If that’s not possible, speak with your child’s pediatrician or seek virtual therapy options. There are helpful online resources, but it’s important to teach kids to be discerning consumers of digital content. Evidence-based information is key.

iStock-1045032684 | Originally published in the July 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.

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Shifting Terrain: Helping Kids Navigate the Middle to High School Transition