My only advice is to stay aware, listen carefully, and yell for help if you need it.

In the last 50 years, reading the work of author Judy Blume has become a kind of rite of passage for middle-graders. Now-beloved books such as “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” (1970) and “Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great” (1972) frankly and humorously depict the rollercoaster of the tween and teen years, from crushes and periods to bullying and sibling envy. Blume’s books have often been banned across the U.S. for their realistic portrayals of the teen experience, which has inspired her to work with the National Coalition Against Censorship to promote free speech. In this quote from Blume’s online blog, she gives advice to parents of children going through their turbulent teen years. However, her words can apply to any of us in all stages of our lives. Remaining fully present in the moment and knowing when to ask for help are crucial skills that can help ensure we don’t get overwhelmed.