For my DS13 8th grader, he struggles with trying to fit in since few "get" him including his teachers, a task that is made all the more difficult by the fact he is about 5ft 11, maybe 105 lbs. soaking wet, and has facial hair that he hates but that he does not want to shave until school is out for the year so that "no one makes a big deal about it". And yikes, he won't be 14 until mid-August.

Middle school....ick.

AEH- That made me tear up. Thank you. And Val, I will convey your message to my DS.