GPS continued its Middle School Matters webinar series today with "February Feels: Navigating Big Feelings and Emotions with Middle School Girls." Led by Kathryn Outlaw, Head of Middle School and Director of Student Support Services, and Lauren Lawrence Swanson ’09, Director of Student Life and Assistant Dean of Students, the session explored the emotional intensity of middle school and provided strategies for parents to support their daughters through this pivotal stage.
The discussion addressed key topics, including brain development and hormonal changes, the impact of social media on self-esteem, and the emotional weight of friendships. “Social media just amplifies what they’re going through—the positive and the negative,” Kathryn explained. “It has such a direct impact on self-esteem, especially for girls under 16.”
Lauren highlighted the deep emotional investment middle school girls place in friendships, noting how conflicts can feel overwhelming but are also a normal part of development. “I hear from students all day long about friendship struggles, and then the next day, they’re best friends again,” she said. “These shifts can feel major to them, but they are part of growing up.”
The speakers emphasized that parents should validate emotions first before offering solutions, helping their daughters process rather than suppress feelings. “Sometimes the best thing to say is, ‘I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I love you. Let me know when you’re ready to talk,’” Kathryn advised.
The webinar also explored when to step in versus give space, outlining signs of emotional distress that may require parental or professional intervention, such as persistent sadness, withdrawal, or anxiety that interferes with daily life. “Your response teaches emotional regulation,” Lauren shared. “Modeling calm and supportive responses can help them learn to manage their emotions.”
Drawing from Lisa Damour’s research on adolescent development, the session reassured parents that emotional ups and downs are normal. “Raising a young woman will be one of the most vexing, delightful, exhausting, and fulfilling things you will ever do—sometimes all on the same day,” a featured quote from Damour read.
The Middle School Matters series continues to provide GPS families with expert guidance and actionable advice. Stay tuned for details on the next session as GPS remains committed to empowering girls and their families through every stage of development.
