The move from elementary school to middle school is one of the most significant developmental transitions in a young person's life. New social expectations, changing friendships, increased academic demands, executive functioning challenges, and growing independence can create both excitement and anxiety for children and their caregivers.

 

Our Middle School Transition Support Program combines a Youth Creative Group and a Parent Support Group running simultaneously in the same building. This unique model provides support for the whole family while helping youth build confidence, social connections, and resilience during this important stage.

 

Designed with a neurodiversity-affirming, relationship-based approach, this small group experience offers a safe and supportive environment for children entering middle school and the adults who care for them.

 

Youth Creative Group: Building Confidence, Connection, and Social Skills

Is your child feeling nervous about middle school?

 

Are they wondering how they'll make friends, manage new expectations, or navigate a larger school environment?

 

The Youth Creative Group provides a supportive space for soon-to-be middle schoolers to connect with peers while engaging in creative activities, games, discussion, and collaborative projects.

 

Participants will:

• Build social confidence and communication skills

• Connect with peers experiencing similar transitions

• Explore emotions related to change and growing independence

• Practice problem-solving and relationship skills

• Strengthen self-awareness and self-advocacy

• Develop a sense of belonging and community

 

This group is particularly supportive for youth who may benefit from extra encouragement around social connection, school transitions, emotional regulation, executive functioning, or self-confidence.

 

Neurodiversity-Affirming Support

We welcome neurodivergent youth, including autistic, ADHD, PDA, twice-exceptional (2e), and highly sensitive children. Our approach focuses on strengths, authentic connection, and creating an environment where young people can participate as themselves.

 

Parent Support Group: Guidance, Community, and Connection

While youth participate in their group, parents and caregivers gather nearby for facilitated discussion and support.

 

The transition to middle school impacts the entire family. Parents often find themselves navigating questions about independence, friendships, technology, emotional regulation, school expectations, and changing family dynamics.

 

The Parent Support Group offers opportunities to:

• Connect with other parents experiencing similar challenges

• Learn about adolescent development and executive functioning

• Explore practical parenting tools and strategies

• Discuss school transitions and social-emotional growth

• Strengthen parent-child connection during the tween years

• Receive support from an experienced parent coach and educator

 

Whether your child is thriving, struggling, or somewhere in between, you deserve support too.

 

Why We Created This Program

Research consistently shows that strong relationships and a sense of belonging are key protective factors for youth wellbeing.

 

By supporting both children and caregivers simultaneously, this program creates opportunities for growth, reflection, and connection across the entire family system.

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Our goal is to help families enter middle school feeling more connected, confident, and prepared for the journey ahead.

 

Program Details

 

Dates

• July 10

• July 24

• August 7

• August 21

 

Time

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

 

Location

Flood Building
San Francisco, California

 

Facilitators

Bridget Bertrand and Brock Hudson

 

Group Size

Limited to 4 youth participants to ensure a safe, connected, and individualized experience.

 

Free Consultation

Families are invited to schedule a complimentary 20-minute consultation before registering to determine whether the group is a good fit.

 

Investment

We use the Green Bottle Sliding Scale to increase accessibility for families.

 

Green Bottle Tier

$700 for all four sessions

Middle Tier

$500 for all four sessions

Lower-Income Tier

We are committed to accessibility and will work together to determine a fee that feels manageable for your family.

 

Who This Program Is For

This group may be a good fit for:

• Children entering middle school

• Families seeking middle school transition support

• Neurodivergent youth

• Autistic youth

• ADHD youth

• PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profiles

• Youth experiencing school anxiety

• Children looking to strengthen social skills and friendships

• Families seeking parent coaching and parenting support

• Caregivers wanting connection with other parents

• all genders, Trans and ENBY inclusive and celebrating all 2SLGBTQIA community

 

Schedule a Free Consultation

If you're wondering whether this program is the right fit for your child, we invite you to schedule a free 20-minute consultation.

 

bridget@bridgetbertrand.com 

brockhudsoncoaching@gmail.com

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Together, we'll explore your family's goals, answer questions, and determine whether this small-group experience can provide the support your child and family need during the transition to middle school.

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