Junior High Change #2 – Emotions
In today’s post, we dive into the second of five big changes that 6th–8th graders go through. We’ll break down what’s happening and what it means for you as a junior high ministry leader.
#2 – Emotions
As a kid, the emotional range of students is basically: happy, sad, hungry. (Okay, especially hungry.) But then—bam!—middle school hits, and suddenly they’re feeling all the feelings… sometimes all at once. Welcome to the wild world of middle school emotions!
Two things tend to happen:
- Emotional misfires – Students emotions sometimes don’t match the moment. Like getting angry because someone tied their shoe for them. (True story. Probably.)
- Roller coaster rides – One minute they’re on top of the world, the next they’re in a puddle of despair because someone said their hoodie was “mid.”
And guess what? That’s all totally normal. This is just what growing up looks like—chaotic, confusing, and occasionally tear-streaked over a broken pencil.
So, what does all this emotional mayhem mean for you, dear middle school ministry leader?
- Don’t panic. You’re not doing it wrong—they’re just growing up. Your presence, patience, and steady voice in their chaos actually matters way more than you think.
- Create a safe place. Middle schoolers need adults who don’t freak out when they do. So when emotions explode like a shaken soda, you’re helping them navigate the situation (while maybe laughing a little inside).
- Jesus is in the middle of the chaos. You’re not just leading a junior high ministry, your helping students realize that Jesus is right there in the middle of all the chaos.
So, the next time a 13-year-old screams because their burrito touched their chips, just remember: you’ve got this (and remember you were once 13 too).
Nick Diliberto
Looking for junior high ministry curriculum? Check out this bundle:
1 YEAR JUNIOR HIGH BUNDLE, VOL 2 – An all-new year long junior high ministry curriculum, with a 79% discount and 3 bonus series!
