Andrew Reed on Parenting through the Middle School Doldrums

HeightsCast: Forming Men Fully Alive · Mar 19, 2026 · 51m

What do our children need most from us in the unsteady years of middle school? First, says Head of Middle School Andy Reed, they need our availability.

But making ourselves fully and honestly available runs contrary to so many modern patterns of life, from work demands and short schedules to the ever-tempting screen. In fact, Mr. Reed calls it the Mount Everest of Modern Parenting: replacing frenetic patterns with quiet, contemplative patterns for our own mental management, so that we can be available to the boy who needs us at unexpected times.

Chapters:

1:35 Middle school's rough reputation…