Dear little sis,

Here you are... a big middle schooler. You tell me how it sucks, and I honestly do believe you. Those days were the worst - for more things than just my wardrobe and hair choices. The girls were mean, (side note: they do not get any better) and the boys were smelly and rude. Middle school was hard and I feel it is my duty as your big sister to let you in on all of the secrets that I wish I knew when I was your age.

1. Don't think too much.

Middle school is all about the over reactions. Trust me, you're really good at that. But remember to chill. If you look into it too much you're going to create a problem that wasn't even there in the first place, silly.

2. You become like the 5 people you spend the most time with. Choose CAREFULLY.

This is SO important. Stay away from those toxic people - the ones that try to drag you down when they are slipping.

3. It is a very cool thing to be a smart girl.

I promise you, your senior year of high school NO ONE is going to care who had the cutest clothes and best cell phone back in 6th grade. DO NOT down play yourself or pretend to be dumb for your friends and especially boys! I promise you - you'll get a better guy out of this one - but like 50 years from now, please.

4. Do not stir the pot with drama.

There will always be that one girl, possibly two, that like to make drama out of every situation. Don't be "that girl". Drama comes from insecurity - and honey, you have nothing to be insecure about.

5. Be "for" your friends.

When you hear someone talking badly about your best buddies, stick up for them! Be the girl that has their friends back. Sometimes it can be hard - but protect your friends "back", don't stab it.

6. Always be honest.

Once trust is gone - it is hard to regain. It is worth it in the long run.

7. You are perfect just the way you are.

It does not matter if you are short, or tall. If you are blessed with skinny legs or hips that don't lie. It will only ever matter what is on the inside. Remind yourself this often. Tell yourself this every day. Don't judge yourself or others based off of parts - remember that what matters comes from your heart.

8. Social Media.

Is evil. First of all, why do you all have phones anyway? Snapchat is for pictures - not for sending hateful messages because they will disappear after a few second and you'll be alerted if someone takes a screenshot. Selfies are not a requirement for 11 year olds and I promise you, Facebook is boring.

9. Moddest is hottest.

Just remember that line come summer time.

10. You don't have to wash your hair everyday (I know its a hassle) but for real, shower please.

11. Don't be in a hurry to wear makeup.

It is a pain!! Your morning routine becomes 15 minutes longer and we all know how well you wake up at this point anyway.

12. Mom is NOT evil.

only sometimes. not always. Talk to her, explain things... I promise she has went through the same things and probably has some magical words of wisdom stored away for this very situation.

13. Boys are dumb.

Yes, at your age boys are so dumb (and sometimes boys are dumb their whole life). Just spend your middle school days praying for your future husband... trust me, he needs it.

14. Keep the gossip in your pocket.

Remember the saying "what Sally says about Susan says more about Sally."

15. Don't be so bossy.

It is good to be in control of your life, but you don't have to be in control of everyone else.

16. It is always okay to have a dance party.

17. SLEEPOVERS.

Have them every chance you get. Our house, their house. Make them memorable. Eat pizza, a whole carton of ice cream, watch those movies that mom won't let you watch any other time, stay up talking, giggle yourself to sleep.

18. Give it your all, even if it goes unnoticed.

I will always be watching.

19. There will always be a mean girl.

Starting from now, to high school, to college and even to work... there will always be a mean girl. Remember that most of the time she only picks on your because she is so jealous of you she has no other way to display it.

20. I love you.

XOXO,

your big sis