Middle School Mary Poppins

🏕️ In the final episode of our SEL Summer Camp series, we bring together everything we’ve explored about the middle school years: the developing adolescent brain, screens and environment, emotions, anxiety, anger, resilience, identity, and belonging.This episode is about understanding the whole middle schooler.😳 Behavior does not happen in isolation. It happens inside a developing brain, a body, a family, a peer group, a school, a culture, and a community. When we stop asking only, “How do I stop this behavior?” and start asking, “What is happening with this kid?” we begin to see children differently.Along the way, I take you back to Camp Sycamore Hills and some of the people and stories that shaped the way I think about kids and community: the mysterious one-eared rabbit, Rich and his Great Pyrenees, the Art Barn, Tractor Girl, the legendary kitchen manager who called me “Astor,” and the Shero Award that still reminds me to look out for the underdog.We also talk about the power of music and memory, including why hearing Des’ree’s “You Gotta Be” still takes me straight back to that campfire and reminds me of the kind of person I want to be.If you are raising, teaching, counseling, coaching, or simply trying to understand a tween or young teen, this episode is a reminder that middle schoolers are not finished products. They are growing people who need room to practice, make mistakes, recover, and know they still belong.Because healthy communities do more than manage behavior.They help build people.🍪A huge thank-you to Jessica Ragnio & founder Dr. Jason Kahn for spending so much of SEL Summer Camp with us! 💰Use code MARYPOPPINS for 15% off Mightier. Learn emotional regulation through video games. Suzanne does not make any profit from Mightier. Just collabbing! 😁And remember:🏕️There is always room for the underdog around our fire.We’ve been saving you a seat.Next episode: We’re exploring the surprising strengths and “secret superpowers” that can sometimes develop from growing up in a difficult or emotionally complex childhood—and how those survival adaptations can become powerful tools with insight and healing. After that, “Spotlight People” & Ego! 🍿#MiddleSchoolMaryPoppins #MiddleSchoolParenting #ParentingTweens #SocialEmotionalLearning #EmotionalRegulation #MiddleSchool #AdolescentBrain #TweenParenting #Resilience #Belonging #ChildDevelopment #BehaviorIsCommunication #ConnectionBeforeCorrection #MentalHealth #ParentEducationThis is the website at www.msmarypoppins.com or email Suzanne:Suzanne [email protected] for inquiries, listener questions, and just to say hello!

🍎Apple Listeners: The show’s ratings were hacked & dropped to 3.1 rating from 4.9. It is under investigation currently. If you could help out & provide a positive star rating, it would mean everything! So grateful! Best, Suz & Steve🐶—————————————————-In this special Deep Dive episode, Suzanne is joined once again by therapist Jessica Ragnio, MSW, LICSW, for one of the most important conversations of the Summer Camp series. Together, they explore what is really happening beneath explosive behavior—and why anger is so often protecting something much more vulnerable. 💜Using Hawaiian volcanoes 🌋, ocean currents 🌊, and stories from Suzanne’s years in the middle school classroom, this episode unpacks the science and psychology behind emotional regulation in a way that is practical, compassionate, and surprisingly hopeful.🧠 In this episode, you’ll discover:• Why anger is often a secondary emotion • What happens inside the brain during emotional reactivity • How the amygdala can hijack logical thinking • The power of co-regulation—and why connection comes before correction • How to recognize the body’s warning signs before an emotional eruption • Why regulation is not about suppressing feelings • How to help tweens build awareness instead of shame • Practical strategies parents, educators, and caregivers can use todayFREE ACTIVITY FROM MIGHTIER:⛑️Anger Volcanoes: Strategies to help Effectively Deal with Teen/Tween Anger: https://www.mightier.com/resources/7-effective-anger-management-activities-for-kids/Along the way, Suzanne shares personal stories, educational insights, and a few adventures with Lieutenant Steve and the Coconut Kingdom 🐾🥥—because learning does not have to be boring.Whether you are raising a tween, teaching one, counseling one, or trying to better understand your own emotional responses, this episode offers science, encouragement, practical tools, and plenty of hope. 🌈Because, as always…💜 People grow best when they know they belong.🏕️ Special thanks to our Summer Camp sponsor, Mightier! Visit Mightier.com and use code MARYPOPPINS to save 15%. Suzanne does not receive payment for Mightier, as she loves the system!🎙️ Hosted by Suzanne M. Swain, EdS LMSW 🌂 The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast ✨ Stop. Regulate. Listen.🎧 A heartfelt thank-you to my incredible producer, Janine Stella of StellaMix. Your creativity, talent, and countless hours behind the scenes help transform these conversations into something truly special each week. Thank you for believing in this mission and helping bring The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast to families around the world. 💜SEO TopicsMiddle school anxiety • Cognitive distortions • Parenting tweens • Tween mental health • Emotional regulation • School anxiety • Adolescent brain • Friendship drama • Self-esteem • Parenting middle schoolers • Social Emotional Learning (SEL) • Executive functioning • Neurodivergent children • Autism • ADHD • Anxiety in girls • Anxiety in boys • Parenting podcast • Teacher resources • Family mental health • Brain-based parenting • Cognitive behavioral strategies • Middle school behaviorSend Suzanne a Question or Comment:Support the show

Middle school can feel like a daily showdown… until you realize the kid isn’t always the problem. Sometimes the kid is the signal.In this episode of The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast, Suzanne Swain, EDS LMSW explores the moments that make adults throw their hands in the air and ask, “Seriously?!” — and why that reaction is understandable, but often aimed at the wrong target. When behavior goes sideways, we tend to place the full weight of the situation on a 12- or 13-year-old navigating hormones, identity development, social pressure, emotional overwhelm, and a brain that is still developing impulse control and executive functioning. That isn’t an excuse for harmful behavior… it’s a roadmap for understanding it.Drawing from years of real middle school classroom management experience, Suzanne walks listeners through a systems-based approach to behavior that focuses on emotional safety, clear expectations, simple procedures, and consistent boundaries. You’ll hear why consistency matters more than intensity, why fewer rules often work better than dozens of threats, and how becoming “annoyingly predictable” can actually help kids feel safer and more regulated. The episode also explores metacognition — the adult skill of noticing what’s happening internally before reacting externally — and how our own regulation often shapes the emotional climate around children.But structure alone is never enough. Kids also need connection. This episode unpacks the idea of “connection before correction” and why trust, co-regulation, and emotional repair are critical parts of accountability. Suzanne also discusses some of the hidden stressors affecting today’s tweens and teens, including chronic sleep deprivation, overstimulation, emotional exhaustion, and constant screen saturation.Blending neuroscience, humor, emotional critical thinking, and real classroom insight, this conversation offers a more compassionate lens for understanding middle schoolers without removing accountability or structure.💜 ND Friendly Listening Note: MSMP is designed with neurodivergent listeners in mind. Ads and interruptions are intentionally kept to a minimum and placed thoughtfully for continuity and emotional regulation support.☂️ ENTER THE NEW CONTEST: head to the website and join the mailing list for a chance to win a 45 minute family session with Suzanne! 💜☂️Visit msmarypoppins.com for resources, updates, and ways to support the show.Produced by StellaMix Podcast Productions. Reach out to my high school buddy Janine for all of your podcast needs as she is the wizard you need! 🌐 stellamix.com🦊Stay clever, little foxes. You got this! Send Suzanne a Question or Comment:Support the show

Internet Culture & Emotional Health: The Safety Dancefeat. Adam Brooks, Program Coordinator from BARK Technologies [email protected] MSMP listener offer:Use code POPPINS25 for $25 off any Bark phone model or watch (limit 2). Learn more at: www.bark.usPart 3 of our “Reimagining Screen Time” technology series focuses on one of the biggest modern parenting challenges of all: keeping kids safe online while still building trust, communication, and healthy independence.Balancing screens with quality family time, creating intentional technology plans, and opening ongoing family discussions about devices and boundaries has become just as essential as having a family fire safety plan.As an educational technologist and former middle school educator, Suzanne recently took a deep dive into researching modern family technology tools and discovered BARK Technologies. BARK has: more than 7 million users, strong professional reviews, extensive educational resources, and a kid & family-forward philosophy towatd devices and screen time. BARK stood out as an innovative and highly acclained option for helping families navigate the digital world more safely together. What especially impressed Suzanne was Bark’s willingness to provide schools and educators with professional development and technology safety resources—even when schools are not purchasing products or services. That commitment to education, accessibility, and family discussion deserved a closer look.So Suzanne invited Adam Brooks, Bark’s Program Coordinator and a former teacher himself, onto the podcast to discuss current research, internet culture, emotional health, and practical ways families can create healthier digital habits together.Let’s face facts: middle schoolers are growing up in a digital environment that moves faster than most adults can realistically keep up with. Between social media pressure, group chats, cyberbullying, AI-generated content, online predators, and nonstop notifications, families are navigating challenges that simply did not exist a generation ago.In this episode, Suzanne and Adam discuss:Why middle school brains are especially vulnerable onlineThe emotional impact of social media and comparison cultureCyberbullying, online predators, and digital safetyHealthy monitoring vs. invasive parentingHow to build trust instead of constant power strugglesPractical tools families can begin using immediatelyCreating collaborative family technology plans that encourage communication and emotional safetyBark Technologies offers monitoring tools, parental controls, screen time management, content filtering, and affordable kid-safe phones and watches designed to help families navigate technology in a healthier and more balanced way.As always, Suzanne takes ethics very seriously. BARK Technologies did not pay for this review, testimonial, or discussion. This episode reflects Suzanne’s independent professional opinion after personally researching family technology options that are affordable, highly regarded, innovative, and capable of encouraging stronger communication and healthier family relationships around technology use.🎉 Special MSMP listener offer: Use code POPPINS25 for $25 off any Bark phone model or watch (limit 2). Learn more at: www.bark.usQuestions about Bark’s services or educational partnerships can also be directed to Adam Brooks at [email protected]. He is excited to hear from you! Come back anytime! Send Suzanne a Question or Comment:Support the show

Screens: the ultimate villain… or your kid’s emotional support sidekick? In this playful (and eye-opening) episode, Suzanne dives into the nightly showdown every parent knows too well—the “put the phone down” battle—and flips the script in a way you probably didn’t see coming.What looks like defiance might actually be overwhelm. What feels like obsession might be regulation. From dopamine hits and digital comparison to cyberbullying and late-night scrolling, we unpack what’s really going on behind the screen—and why simply taking the phone away might be missing the bigger picture.With relatable stories, a dash of humor (shoutout to Lieutenant Steve 🐾), and practical strategies you can actually use, this episode helps parents, educators, and caregivers move from power struggles to real connection. Because the goal isn’t to win the screen time war—it’s to understand the kid on the other side of it.Tune in for a fresh perspective, a few “aha” moments, and maybe even a little peace at bedtime. ————-PRO BONO: Currently, MSMP does not profitize nor monetize as an effort to avoid bias & to help build trust with new listeners. (Too many commercials ruin messaging.) Trust is everything & worth earning first. MSMP will only support rigorously vetted advertisers that commit to bettering the lives & mental health of kids and their families - no fluff. Your time is valuable. ——————————-Contact Suzanne M. Swain EdS LMSW: [email protected] Website: msmarypoppins.comProduced By: StellaMix Podcast ProductionsSpecial thanks to our producer, StellaMix podcast productions, another Palm Beach County School of the Arts collaboration. Need a podcast? Connect with Janine Stella ASAP: http://www.Stellamix.comSend Suzanne a Question or Comment:Support the show

You can be smart, creative, and deeply caring and still walk through life feeling like you’re getting “thrown to the curb.” That ache hits a lot of neurodivergent adults, especially when old childhood labels keep playing on loop: too sensitive, too emotional, too intense, too distracted, so much potential if you could just… I’m busting those cognitive distortions and telling a truer story about neurodiversity, ADHD, autism, giftedness, and what it’s like when your brain takes in more than the room expects. We start with a memory from childhood that’s equal parts funny and revealing: walking up to neighbors’ houses and asking if they had kids who wanted to be friends. Through that lens, we talk about why connection can become a core driver for neurodivergent people and why shame is often just misunderstood wiring. Then we get into brain science that matters, especially for parents and educators: the middle school brain renovation where the limbic system runs hot and the prefrontal cortex is still under construction. Add sensory sensitivity and emotional intensity, and the world can feel loud, fast, and harsh, even when you’re doing your best. From there we connect the dots to adulthood: executive functioning challenges, workplace expectations, the “inconsistent but brilliant” stereotype, and why “failure to launch” is often about planning, time management, stress regulation, and systems that weren’t built for neurodivergent minds. We also talk hyper empathy, reading body language, and the loneliness of being highly attuned. Most importantly, we practice reframes that are fair, specific, and actually usable and we translate that into how we can support neurodivergent kids without trying to fix them, by getting curious about their thinking steps and honoring their process. If this resonates, subscribe, share with someone raising or living as neurodivergent, and leave a review so more people can find language that replaces shame with clarity. What’s one label you’re ready to rewrite?Contact Suzanne Swain:Email: [email protected] Website: msmarypoppins.comProduced By: StellaMix Podcast ProductionsSpecial thanks to our producer, StellaMix podcast productions, another Palm Beach County School of the Arts collaboration. Need a podcast? Connect with Janine Stella ASAP: http://www.Stellamix.comSend Suzanne a Question or Comment:Support the show

What I thought was a routine appointment turned into an 11-hour stretch in the ER—and then the words no one is ever ready to hear: stage four metastatic cervical cancer. I’m sharing this with a shaky voice but a steady purpose, because my best friend Tanya is fighting for her life, and right now, I’m one of her primary caregivers.This has made me really think about what chosen family actually means when the crisis isn’t abstract. Tanya is my person—the friend who crossed countries, built a life from nothing, cared deeply for others, loved animals like family, and showed up for me through surgeries, pain, and all the messy parts of being human. Now she’s facing cancer that has spread to her bones, lungs, liver, and lymph nodes, and I’m trying to navigate pain management, treatment decisions, and the emotional whiplash that comes when someone you love can’t even sit up in a chair.And I have to say the part people don’t always want to talk about: the cost. The reality of U.S. healthcare. Insurance questions, growing medical bills, and the impossible math of losing income while caregiving becomes a full-time job. If you’ve ever carried caregiver stress, unresolved grief, or that deep wound of losing someone too early, you’ll understand—this is raw, unfiltered, and straight from the heart.If you can, please listen. Share this with someone who believes in showing up for others. Help Tanya in her fight by donating or spreading the word. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell me—what does showing up for your person look like in your life?Contact Suzanne Swain:Email: [email protected] Website: msmarypoppins.comProduced By: StellaMix Podcast ProductionsSpecial thanks to our producer, StellaMix podcast productions, another Palm Beach County School of the Arts collaboration. Need a podcast? Connect with Janine Stella ASAP: http://www.Stellamix.comSend Suzanne a Question or Comment:Support the show

What if the behaviors we rush to fix are actually signals from a beautifully organized, differently wired brain? In this episode, we explore new neuroscience showing why attention differences, sensory intensity, and big emotions often appear together—and why that combination makes biological sense. Recent research suggests that thousands of small genetic variations shape overlapping pathways linked to ADHD, autism, and mood regulation, pointing to a more connected “systems view” of the brain.We also look at how brain networks—like the default mode network and executive control system—affect imagination, focus, and the ability to shift between tasks. That’s why things like the “rabbit hole effect,” zoning out, or struggling to transition between activities happen so often for neurodivergent kids.Instead of blame, we focus on understanding and practical strategies—visual timers, movement breaks, previews of what’s next, and sensory tools that help kids transition from inner focus to outward tasks. The takeaway: neurodivergent brains aren’t broken—they’re wired with unique strengths and challenges. When we reduce the friction, those strengths have room to shine.Contact Suzanne Swain:Email: [email protected] Website: msmarypoppins.comProduced By: StellaMix Podcast ProductionsSpecial thanks to our producer, StellaMix podcast productions, another Palm Beach County School of the Arts collaboration. Need a podcast? Connect with Janine Stella ASAP: http://www.Stellamix.comSend Suzanne a Question or Comment:Support the show

Anger feels fast. Powerful. Loud. But what’s really underneath it?In this special, kid-requested episode, Suzanne M. Swain, EDS, LMSW — child therapist, educational specialist, and veteran middle school teacher — talks directly to tweens and teens about anger in a world that feels a little… charged.Why does anger rise so quickly? What’s actually happening in your brain when you react? And how can choosing calm make you stronger — not weaker?Suzanne breaks down:Why anger is often a “cover emotion” hiding fear, embarrassment, hurt, or feeling out of controlWhy you are not responsible for adult stressHow to stop reactivity before it takes overWhat it means to regulate instead of reactSimple, science-backed tools to reset your nervous system (hello, Lemonheads and the 90-second rule)This episode is especially supportive for neurodivergent kids and sensitive hearts who feel overwhelmed by loud energy. Suzanne reminds listeners that peace isn’t flashy — it’s steady. And steady is powerful.You don’t have to match someone else’s storm. You can be the anchor.Perfect for middle schoolers, teens, and the grown-ups who love them.Contact Suzanne Swain:Email: [email protected] Website: msmarypoppins.comProduced By: StellaMix Podcast ProductionsSpecial thanks to our producer, StellaMix podcast productions, another Palm Beach County School of the Art collaboration. Need a podcast? Stellamix.comSend Suzanne a Question or Comment:Support the show

Heroes aren’t always loud—and they don’t always wear capes.In this episode of Middle School Mary Poppins, Suzanne M. Swain explores what heroism really looks like in the real world: persistence, joy, empathy, and showing up as yourself—even when it’s hard.Inspired by the Winter Olympics, beloved pop-culture heroes, a surprising animal rescue, and the power of team culture, Suzanne reframes heroism for kids, parents, and educators—especially those supporting neurodivergent learners.This episode is a love letter to:quiet braverykids who feel differentteams that thrive on joy and belongingand the truth that you fall down nine times, but you get up tenYou’ll hear why joy is your greatest advantage to performance, why nothing is harder to stop than a team having a blast, and how everyday acts of courage can change classrooms, families, and lives.Whether you’re a parent, teacher, therapist, or a kid who’s still figuring it out—this one’s for you. Free, accessible, and made with care—always. Stay clever, little foxes. 🦊🤓🥰Contact Suzanne Swain:Email: [email protected] Website: msmarypoppins.comProduced By: StellaMix Podcast ProductionsSpecial thanks to our producer, StellaMix podcast productions, another Palm Beach County School of the Art collaboration. Need a podcast? Stellamix.comSend Suzanne a Question or Comment:Support the show