Explore every episode of the podcast Raising Middle School Girls
Dive into the complete episode list for Raising Middle School Girls. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
Rows per page:
50
1–49 of 49
Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Keeping your kids safe online this summer
29 May 2025
00:35:11
Many say boredom is good for kids’ creativity, but gone are the long summer days where kids find things to do by riding bikes, exploring creeks, and running around the neighborhood til dinner. Today’s boredom is more often filled indoors with ever-present online content. So how do we keep our middle schoolers safe online this summer, when many have little oversight and maximum down time? In this episode, Jason Zeigler of AdaptShield discusses how parents can target the risks their family is most vulnerable to online so families can enjoy summer without constant monitoring.
About the Guest: Jason brings 15 years of experience in financial services and healthcare sectors, with a focus on information security and risk management. Drawing on his professional expertise and personal experience as a parent, he was inspired to establish AdaptShield. The company is dedicated to helping families navigate the complexities of their digital worlds by offering free best practices, customized product recommendations, and personalized one-on-one consultations, all designed to reduce the risks families may face online.
Learn more about AdaptShield. Use coupon code RSM2025 for a 10% discount on any AdaptShield services for Raising Middle School Girls listeners. Connect with Jason on IG and FB.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
How to have hard conversations with your middle schooler
24 Apr 2025
00:32:48
Sex. Drugs. Family finances…There are so many uncomfortable conversations we need to have with our kids! Many parents are waiting “until they get a little older,” but is that the right approach? In this episode of Raising Middle School Girls, educator and parenting coach Dana Kaplan talks to us about why we need to talk to our kids early and often about the hard stuff. Dana shares practical strategies for approaching tough topics. Learn how creating open communication can strengthen your relationship and empower your child during these pivotal years.
Useful Links This episode includes a sponsored ad, and the links below may be affiliate links. I might earn a small commission if you buy—thanks for supporting the show!
Get the Brain on Board Executive Function course for parents and teachers - On sale NOW through 4/27/25!!
About the Guest: Dana Kaplan Connect with Dana on Instagram. Connect with Dana on LinkedIn. Learn more about Dana's work at https://www.danakaplanteach.com.
Dana Kaplan is a renowned, award-winning Educational Coach for Neurodiverse and Out-of-the-Box Learners, specializing in rich self-investigation as a direct pathway to disrupt and dismantle stigmas, conscious and unconscious biases, and shifting one’s thoughts in order to build a Compassionate Community for ALL.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
Learning how to let your kid make mistakes
01 Oct 2024
00:32:23
It’s so easy for us parents to do things for our kids so they can avoid failure, or simply to help them get ahead. Sometimes we do it out of fear of them getting it wrong, worrying about their future, impatience, or even simply to be nice. In fact, it often feels like allowing our kids to fail or expecting them to figure things out on their own is mean by today's parenting standards. But are we really helping our kids when we take over? In this episode, Jessica Lahey, acclaimed author of The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed shares her insights on the role failure plays in fostering resilience and competence in our kids, and why middle school is the perfect time for parents to begin passing the reigns to our kids, whether they (or we) are ready or not.
About the Guest: Jessica Lahey is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed and The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence. Jess was awarded the Research Society on Alcohol’s Media Award for “outstanding journalistic efforts of writers who cover empirical research on alcohol” […] “for her book The Addiction Inoculation and advocacy for the recovery community.” Over twenty years, Jess has taught every grade from sixth to twelfth in both public and private schools, and spent five years teaching in a drug and alcohol rehab for adolescents in Vermont. She has written about education, parenting, and child welfare for The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and her biweekly column “The Parent Teacher Conference” ran for three years at the New York Times. She designed and wrote the educational curriculum for Amazon Kids’ award-winning animated series The Stinky and Dirty Show, and was a 2019 Pushcart Prize nominee. Jess holds the dubious honor of having written an article that was later adapted as a writing prompt for the 2018 SAT. She co-hosts the #AmWriting podcast from her empty nest in Vermont.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
Step-parenting through the middle school years
13 Apr 2024
00:36:23
Parenting through the middle school years can be hard. Step-parenting a blended family - even more challenging. In this episode, I talk with Amy Stone about her experiences parenting and step-parenting through the middle and high school years, as well what steps parents of blended families can do to create a family they love.
About the Guest: Amy Stone is a mentor, educator and coach for stepparents, parents and adults who are looking for a feeling of happiness and satisfaction in a blended family. She is a mom, a stepmom, and a step-grandma. Her personal journey from single woman to wife, stepmom and mom pushed her to create a unique path to happiness that she shares with other stepparents today.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
Navigating the popularity trap in middle school
28 Mar 2024
00:31:35
Does your daughter want to be a part of the elite group of popular girls at her school? Or is she a part of a popular group where she no longer feels like she can be herself? In this episode, child and adolescent therapist Hannah Leib walks us through the difference between popularity, power and authentic friendships in middle school. We discuss why some girls are pulled into the popularity trap, why great kids can be excluded, and how to support your daughter's self-confidence in a way that helps her develop authentic friendships.
About the Guest Hannah Leib, LCSW, is a child and adolescent teen therapist whose passion stems from her own mental health battles throughout her childhood and teen years. In college, she started a mental health support group called Thrive, in which she led discussions on mental health and student life. It grew into a successful program, which then led her to achieve a Fulbright scholarship in Bulgaria in 2016 after she graduated with a Bachelor's degree from Pitzer College. She is now a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is dedicated to helping children and teens grow and glow into their best selves.
Learn more about Hannah's work at www.growandglowchildtherapyla.com. Connect with Hannah on IG.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
Helping our girls become who they're meant to be
09 Mar 2024
00:33:17
So much weight sits on the shoulders of teen girls today in a society that pressures them to fit in a box influenced by social media and achievement culture. How do we help our girls break free from that mold, to become the strong, confident individuals they're meant to be? In today's episode, Chelsey Goodan, author of the new book, Underestimated: The Power and Wisdom of Teenage Girls, talks about what's really on the minds of teen girls and how we as parents can break through. Chelsea offers both an understanding of what teen girls want, as well as practical how to advice parents can implement with their teen today to improve her confidence and sense of identity.
About the Guest: Chelsey Goodan has been an academic tutor and mentor for sixteen years, with a particular emphasis on the empowerment of teenage girls. She regularly speaks to audiences about gender justice, conducts workshops, and coaches parents on how to better understand and connect with their daughters. She is the founder of The Activist Cartel and the mentorship director of DemocraShe, a nonprofit that guides teenage girls from historically underrepresented communities into leadership positions. As an activist, she advises public figures, galvanizes volunteers, and organizes large-scale events for national nonprofits, while also serving on the board of A Call to Men, a nonprofit working to end gender-based violence. Her passion to explore humanity’s potential for authenticity, liberation, and empowerment permeates all of her work.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
Will your student be prepared at the end of their academic journey?
09 Feb 2024
00:38:09
Middle school prepares our kids for high school. High school prepares our kids for college. But does college always prepare our kids for life after college? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Kevin J. Fleming, bestselling author of (Re)Defining the Goal and producer of multiple viral career planning videos including Success in the New Economy. Kevin discusses the 4 skills and 4 steps our kids need to obtain true career success, the limitations of traditional schooling in obtaining these skills, and what parents can do starting in middle school to help our kids prepare.
About the Guest: Dr. Kevin J Fleming is an educator, speaker, producer of multiple, viral animation videos including Success in the New Economy, and author of the bestseller, (Re)Defining the Goal. Dissatisfied with the status quo, he has dedicated over two decades advancing career education forward as both a faculty member and administrator. Dr. Fleming serves as the Founder and CEO of Catapult, which delivers masterclasses to educators and schools helping to make all education relevant. Dr. Fleming is a passionate advocate ensuring all students intentionally equip their potential, enter the labor market with a competitive advantage, and find their purpose on purpose.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
How to help your anxious teen girl
24 Jan 2024
00:28:21
In this episode, licensed therapist and author Keri Cooper speaks candidly about the teen girl anxiety crisis. Keri discusses the drivers of increased anxiety, what parents should look for, and the skills our teens need so they can build confidence and reduce fear and anxiety.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
Bribes don't work: How to motivate your kid instead
16 Jan 2024
00:29:27
Do you have to repeat yourself 100 times to get your middle schooler to clean her room, or maybe do her homework? Have you ever worried about your kid's future because she just doesn't show any motivation? In this episode, Andee Martineau, mother of six, reformed yeller, bestselling author and founder of the Connect Parenting Method, is talking to me about why bribes and ultimatums don't work to get our kids to do what we want them to do, and how we can motivate them instead.
About the Guest Andee Martineau is a mom of 6, reformed yeller, bestselling author, and creator of Connect Method Parenting. She’s on a mission to help moms feel in control, bring the fun back into parenting, and ditch the yelling, corrections, and endless feelings of failure.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
Unraveling the Dynamics of Middle School Girl Friendships
09 Jan 2024
00:35:09
Every girl is impacted by changing friendships in middle school, and it's hard as a parent to know how and when to get involved. In this episode, therapist and mom of four girls, Dr. Kimberley Palmiotto, shares her experiences and observations about the evolving nature of friendships among middle school girls. We discuss the role of peer influence and developing independence in shaping friendship dynamics, as well as parents' role in supporting our girls through conflict, growth, and cultivating new friendships.
About the Guest Dr. Kimberley Palmiotto is a school psychologist, therapist, author, and founder of Nurturing Girls. She uses her decades of experience to educate and coach moms of teenage girls to help them navigate the emotional rollercoaster of puberty and adolescence.
Learn more about Nurturing Girls at https://www.nurturinggirls.com/. Connect with Kimberley on TikTok. Connect with Kimberley on Instagram.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
Why we're uncomfortable with our kid's big emotions, and what to do about it
12 Dec 2023
00:37:13
Tweens and teens often come with big emotions that seem to practically start overnight. It can be hard for parents to sit with their kid's big reactions without trying to control the emotion, solve the problem, or blow up themselves. In this episode, Aly Pain talks with us about why parents are uncomfortable with their kids emotions, and how mastering our own response is the key to establishing a healthy relationship with our kids.
About the Guest Growing up, Aly was the smart, fun girl on the outside and a frantic, anxious mess on the inside. She spent years healing the pain of dysfunctional family relationships, including eating disorders and a suicide attempt, to break the cycle raising her own teen boys.
In 2006, Aly returned to school to further develop her skills by becoming a Certified Life Coach and Certified Relationship Systems Coach - one of only 70 people in Canada to hold both designations. Aly's passion is empowering parents to build healthy, respectful relationships with their teens without giving up or giving in, even if they've tried everything and are at their wits end. She's built an online audience of over 570K followers and has been featured in the New York Post, ABC Nightly News and the Rachael Ray Show.
Connect with Aly Pain Learn more about Aly's work on her website. Connect with Aly on Instagram. Follow Aly on TikTok.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
How to be a supportive, not controlling, parent
01 Dec 2023
00:33:22
Our goal as parents is to raise healthy, confident, and competent adults! But it doesn't happen overnight. In this episode, Emily Edlynn, PhD, author of the new book Autonomy-Supportive Parenting, discusses why it's so important for us to let our kids do things for themselves in the middle school years. We talk about what controlling parenting looks like, how it negatively impacts our kids, as well as how we can support our middle schooler's autonomy without being a permissive parent.
About the Guest: Dr. Emily Edlynn is a clinical psychologist specializing in children and adolescents who writes about parenting on her blog, The Art and Science of Mom. Emily has written a parenting advice column for Parents.com since 2019 and has also written articles for the Washington Post, Scary Mommy, and Motherly. Emily is currently the director of pediatric behavioral medicine at a private practice in Oak Park, IL, where she lives with her husband, three children, and two rescue dogs.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
Marriage Reset: Reconnect with your spouse in the tween & teen parenting years
25 Mar 2025
00:32:11
Feeling more like roommates than romantic partners lately? Maybe you wish you could talk more openly with your significant other about what you want out of your marriage, or maybe you're not sure what the future holds for your relationship once it's just you and your significant other left at home. In this episode, licensed therapist Andrea Burkly offers up expert tips on navigating marital disconnect during the tween and teen parenting years. Andrea provides actionable steps to rebuild intimacy and connection with your spouse before the kids leave the nest.
Andrea Burkly is a therapist, speaker, and host of Sounds Like Therapy, where she helps couples stay connected through the parenting years—when marriage often takes a back seat to the demands of raising kids. Coming up on her 20th anniversary and raising four kids of her own, she’s learned as much from personal experience as she has from thousands of hours of work and training. With a relatable, no-nonsense approach, Andrea gives couples the insight and tools they need to build a strong, lasting partnership—even in the busiest seasons of life.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
Qualities Middle Schoolers Need to Succeed
02 Nov 2023
00:29:33
We know the pandemic affected our children, but what has been the aftermath for our kids in middle school today? In this episode, psychotherapist, school counselor, and author Phyllis Fagell discusses the creation of "extreme tweens" and what qualities they need develop to succeed in middle school and beyond. Phyllis demonstrates that guiding our girls through the experiences of middle school can help build the strong, resilient adults we want our girls to grow into.
About the Guest: Phyllis L. Fagell, LCPC is a nationally board certified counselor at a school in Maryland, a psychotherapist who works with children and teens in private practice, and an author and journalist. She is the author of "MIDDLE SCHOOL MATTERS, The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond – and How Parents Can Help," and "MIDDLE SCHOOL SUPERPOWERS, Raising Resilient Tweens in Turbulent Times." Phyllis is a frequent contributor to The Washington Post and freelances for publications such as Psychology Today, CNN, Working Mother, U.S. News & World Report and Your Teen. Her ideas have been shared in outlets including The New York Times, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, Edutopia, Mindshift, The Chicago Tribune, and NPR. She has three children and lives in Bethesda, Maryland.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
Talking to your kids about body diversity
19 Oct 2023
00:33:02
Kids come in all shapes and sizes, but unfortunately, kids' athletic wear does not. While clothing options for adults have grown in recent years, there are still fewer plus size options for kids. Pam Luk, founder of Ember & Ace, talks about bringing more awareness to body diversity, how to talk to our kids about size differences, and her new athletic wear brand for plus size kids.
About the Guest Pam Luk is the founder of Ember & Ace, an athletic wear brand for plus size kids. Growing up playing sports, she learned firsthand the importance of finding active wear that fits. After a career in project management, Pam wanted to ensure her daughter and other children are able to be comfortable in the clothes they wear for sporting activities. She went after that desire and launched a fashion line exclusively for active plus size kids. In June, Pam launched a Kickstarter campaign that was fully funded in just 17 days to help launch Ember & Ace!
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
Teaching kids responsible smartphone use
30 Sep 2023
00:32:18
Kids are getting smartphones earlier while research is showing us the dangers of our kids on social media and accessing inappropriate content online. So how do we keep them safe? This week, Jessica Speer, sociologist and highly acclaimed author discusses her new book for pre-teens, The Phone Book: Stay Safe, Be Smart, and Make the World Better with the Powerful Device in Your Hand.
Discussed in this episode: Behind Their Screens by Emily Weinstein & Carrie James
About the Guest: Jessica is the highly acclaimed author of books for kids and teens, including The Phone Book - Stay Safe, Be Smart, and Make the World Better with the Powerful Device in Your Hand. Her interactive books engage and entertain readers by combining the stories of preteens and teens with fun activities, like quizzes and fill-in-the-blanks. She has a master's degree in social sciences and explores social-emotional topics in ways that connect with kids. Jessica is regularly featured in and contributes to media outlets on topics related to kids, parenting, and friendship. Check out Jessica's website. Connect with Jessica Speer on Instagram. Buy Jessica's books.
Recommendations from Raising Middle School Girls: Brighter Minds, Better Futures The Raising Middle School Girls podcast is listener supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
How to pick the right middle school for your child
20 Sep 2023
00:30:28
The jump from elementary to middle school can be huge, so it's often a time when parents consider the options for their kids' schooling. Between public, private, charter, magnet and more, there's no shortage of choices. But what questions should parents ask to determine if a middle school is right for their child? In this episode school counselor and author Louise Hajjar Diamond talks parents through what to consider when looking at potential schools.
About the Guest: Louise Hajjar Diamond has been a school counselor for 31 years in South Florida in public and private schools. Her experience in school counseling, child development, and education have led her to write dozens of articles for parenting and professional publications for over twenty years. She's also the author of Creating the Balance: Parenting Through the Middle School Years. Connect with Louise on Instagram @middleschoolparenting or @school_counseling_balance. Buy Creating the Balance: Parenting Through the Middle School Years.
Recommendations from Raising Middle School Girls: Brighter Minds, Better Futures The Raising Middle School Girls podcast is listener supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
Does your middle schooler need a coach?
09 Sep 2023
00:28:18
Many teens and young adults are struggling with life challenges and the transition to adulthood. Many parents can see what their teen needs to do, but can't find a way to get through. In this episode, life and wellness coach for teens and young adults, Amanda Chatzikonstantinou, discusses some of the reasons she can get through to teens when the parents can't, what confidence can look like in teens, and how parents can support their teens on the journey to adulthood.
About the Guest: Amanda is a Master Certified Life & Wellness Coach and National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), specializing in coaching teens & young adults who are struggling with life challenges and through the stresses of transitioning to adulthood. She's passionate about empowering every young person to understand the power of the mind, their innate wisdom, and how to build a thriving future. She equips her clients with essential life skills, effective goal setting tools and stress management strategies to become confident, self-motivated, independent and resilient adults. Visit Amanda's website. Follow Amanda on Facebook and Instagram.
Recommendations from Raising Middle School Girls: Brighter Minds, Better Futures The Raising Middle School Girls podcast is listener supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
Daily confidence boosting habits for your middle schooler
01 Sep 2023
00:38:31
Self-confidence takes a hard hit for many girls in middle school. Parents see it everyday, but how can we combat the external pressures making our girls feel like they're not enough? Sometimes, we know what to say, what to do, if only we had enough time and our girls would listen...In today's interview, tween and teen confidence coach Erin Tarr teaches parents how we can help our girls incorporate self-confidence boosting habits into their daily lives.
Recommendations from Raising Middle School Girls: Brighter Minds, Better Futures The Raising Middle School Girls podcast is listener supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you.
About the Guest: Erin Tarr is a Confidence Coach for teen and tween girls with over 20 years of experience. She educates and coaches young girls while simultaneously helping their families navigate this important life stage. A Central Illinois Business Magazine 40 Under 40 recipient, keynote speaker, and frequent podcast guest, Erin’s effusive energy and passion for empowering young girls is contagious. Her programs and messages have impacted thousands of girls in Illinois and around the world giving them the ability to overcome overwhelm, and anxious thoughts so they can move through the world with confidence and make their unique impact on the world. Learn more about Erin's work at erintarr.com. Connect with Erin on Instagram. Buy Your FIERCE Life: 6 Simple Steps to Daily Confidence for Teens.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
The realities of tech in middle school
24 Aug 2023
00:39:16
Technology, including everything from cell phones to smart TVs, social media to AI have become an inevitable part of parenting middle schoolers. In this episode, Sarah Siegand, founder of Parents Who Fight, discusses the realities of technology-fueled middle school and what we can and can't control as parents. If you're a parent who's overwhelmed by everything kids have access to these days, this episode is the perfect primer.
Recommendations from Raising Middle School Girls: Brighter Minds, Better Futures The Raising Middle School Girls podcast is listener supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you.
About the Guest: In 2015, Sarah Siegand and her husband Jesse started a community movement called Parents Who Fight, dedicated to raising awareness about digital dangers. Sarah helps hundreds of parents each year with strategies for protecting kids online through workshops, webinars, and personal consultations. Sarah is also the mom of two teenage boys and a youth mentor to middle school girls at her church. Connect with Parents Who Fight on Instagram. Learn more about upcoming workshops or schedule a consultation with Parents Who Fight.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
Helping your teen raise her self confidence
30 Mar 2023
00:36:23
You know how great your middle school girl is, and you tell her all the time. Why doesn’t she believe you? In today’s episode I talk with award winning author, nurse practitioner and teen confidence expert Jacqui Letran about the limiting beliefs our girls hold, how they develop, and what we can do to help them grow beyond the them. Spoiler alert, this work isn’t just for our teens!
About the Guest: Jacqui Letran is an Author, Speaker, Nurse Practitioner, and Teen Confidence Expert. She blends over twenty years of experience working with teens in the medical and holistic settings to provide time-tested, practical guidance to help teen girls embody Peaceful Confidence™. Her multi-award-winning Words of Wisdom for Teens book series is considered a go-to resource for teens, parents of teens, and anyone working with teens. Learn more about Jacqui's work here. Check out Jacqui's books here. Connect with Jacqui on Facebook.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
Why representation & diversity matter within middle school classrooms
24 Mar 2023
00:37:04
Middle school girls want to find a space where they feel like they belong, where their identity is valued. What happens when a girl feels like “the only one”? Middle school is hard enough, but adding on the complexity of being the only or one of only a few girls who come from a different cultural background, or who look different than the majority of students, can be a challenge. In today’s episode, I talk with Indian American, newly published author and former teacher at an all-girls school, Shetal Shah, about her experiences growing up and why diversity and inclusion matter so much within the middle school classroom.
About the Guest: As a second-generation Indian-American, Shetal Shah hoped to one day see more stories of girls like her in the books that she read. A former educator, school administrator, and diversity practitioner, Shetal is now turning that dream into a reality with the launch of her debut children's book, Shakti Girls, which celebrates the lives and achievements of remarkable women from India. Shetal currently lives with her family in Atlanta, Georgia, while pursuing her mission to diversify bookshelves with inspiring stories.
Learn more about Shetal's work at www.shetal-shah.com. Connect with Shetal on Instagram.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
Helping your child overcome math anxiety or a dislike of math
04 Mar 2023
00:28:56
5Let's be honest - there's a lot of students AND parents who don't like math. What if it doesn't have to be this way for your kid? In this episode, Allison Dillard, host of the Allison Loves Math podcast, offers parents practical advice on how to help your student love (or at least not loathe) math. Allison also talks about math anxiety, and why middle school can be a trigger for it starting.
About the Guest Allison Dillard is a former math professor and 5-time author who writes books to help your child, class, school, or district to gain confidence in and succeed in math. She also hosts the Allison Loves Math podcast, where she interviews trailblazers in math and education about how to set our kids and students up for success in math, STEM, school, and life. Her love for math is legendary.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
Which parenting advice should you listen to?
13 Feb 2025
00:31:32
Some days it feels like everyone is a parenting expert, but they don't always agree on the "right" way to parent. How do we, as everyday parents know which parenting advice to listen to? In this episode, Emily Edlynn, PhD, talks to us about the role of parenting experts and how we parents can develop the internal compass to raise our children according to our values and kids' needs.
Dr. Emily Edlynn is a clinical psychologist specializing in children and adolescents who writes about parenting on her blog, Parent Smarter, Not Harder. Emily is co-host of the podcast, Psychologists Off the Clock, and has written a parenting advice column for Parents.com since 2019 as well as articles for the Washington Post, Scary Mommy, and Motherly. Emily is currently the director of pediatric behavioral medicine at a private practice in Oak Park, IL, where she lives with her husband, three children, and two rescue dogs.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
Teaching our kids how to make good decisions
16 Feb 2023
00:54:07
Your middle schooler is learning a lot in school, but are they learning how to make good decisions? In this episode, I’m talking with Steve Pearlman, Ph.D about the importance of critical thinking education. Steve is the founder and CTO (Chief Thinking Officer) of The Critical Thinking Institute. Steve talks about what critical thinking is, how it impacts our ability to succeed regardless of our path in life, the shift needed to make our education system focused on critical thinking, and so much more.
About the Guest Steve Pearlman, Ph.D., is the Founder and CTO (Chief Thinking Officer) of The Critical Thinking Institute. He's trained thousands of educators in the teaching of critical thinking, and is a sought after international consultant and keynote speak. He hosts two podcasts: "Headagogy," for educators, and "Parentology" for parents who want research-driven information on parenting.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more conversations with experts designed to help you support your middle school girl, please subscribe. You can also sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter to receive tips, resources, upcoming events, and new podcast episodes designed to support you and your child. And we want to hear from you! Let's connect on Instagram and send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls if you want your question answered on the podcast or have feedback on an episode. We're in this together, parents!
Lessons from dad, creator of Art of Fatherhood talks parenting in the middle school years
09 Feb 2023
00:36:27
Dads have an important role to play in the lives of their daughters, especially through the tween and teen years. In this episode I talk with Art Eddy, creator and host of the Art of Fatherhood podcast and blog. We talk about the values Art and his wife are working to instill in their two daughters, the lessons he’s learned along the way while interviewing hundreds of A-list dads on the Art of Fatherhood podcast, and how he works hard every day to raise independent, confident daughters.
About the Guest Art Eddy and his wife, Jess are blessed with two daughters. Art has a passion for fatherhood and enjoys talking with other dads about their fatherhood journey. Art has created a few podcasts that focus on fatherhood. He has been responsible for securing over five hundred guests for a variety of platforms, including hundreds of A-List fathers throughout the pop culture, sports and business landscape.
In 2019 Art and his co-author, Jon Finkel wrote The Life of Dadbook that was published by Simon & Schuster. He has been a featured writer, podcast host and producer and a host of Facebook Live shows on many platforms. His background is in Radio and Journalism. Art has worked in radio in New York City, New Jersey and New Hampshire.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more conversations with experts designed to help you support your middle school girl, please subscribe. You can also sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter to receive tips, resources, upcoming events, and new podcast episodes designed to support you and your child. And we want to hear from you! Let's connect on Instagram and send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls if you want your question answered on the podcast or have feedback on an episode. We're in this together, parents!
Preparing your teen for the real world through entrepreneurship
03 Feb 2023
00:30:13
The world of work is changing rapidly, and the expectations we and our parents had for the workforce, both in what skills are needed to succeed, as well as what to expect over the course of a career have changed. Gone are the days where you could plot your course straight out of college solely based on the degree you've obtained. Our kids are living in a new world where technology has changed the playing field, soft skills are valued more than ever, and change is the only constant. In this episode, I talk with Chandra Brie Cox about the interactive, community-based online youth program she's developed to help teen girls develop the skills needed for tomorrow's workforce.
About the Guest: Chandra Cox is an education consultant providing professional development for K-12 educators focused on creating empathetic learning communities, improving classroom dialogue, increasing student engagement, and creating innovative curriculum. She is also the Chair of Youth Programs at ZADASI, where she has developed an interactive, online youth program in which teen girls can connect and build community with peers, while learning about entrepreneurship and working on important skills such as creativity, communication, and critical thinking. Chandra is a lifelong learner who loves making an impact in education and helping teens gain confidence, improve their skills, and find their passions so that they can share their gifts with the world.
Learn more about Chandra's work at http://www.chandrabriecox.com. Connect with Chandra on Instagram & LinkedIn.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more conversations with experts designed to help you support your middle school girl, please subscribe. You can also sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter to receive tips, resources, upcoming events, and new podcast episodes designed to support you and your child. And we want to hear from you! Let's connect on Instagram and send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls if you want your question answered on the podcast or have feedback on an episode. We're in this together, parents!
How to talk to your kid when they're upset
20 Jan 2023
00:35:02
Have you ever said something to your tween or teen when they're upset that was meant to calm them down, but instead did the opposite? Has their anger ever triggered your own? In this episode, Certified parenting coach Robbin McManne offers a roadmap for how to speak to our kids when they're upset. Parents learn how to get past the triggers (for both kids and parents) and into connection and bonding.
About the Guest: Robbin McManne is a Certified Parent Coach, author, podcaster and speaker. Robbin is a parenting expert and consultant for the international, personal development app, LiveMore. Robbin also sits on the Expert Panel for Newsweek Magazine where she contributes to and writes articles related to parenting for the publication. In her work with parents from all over the world, She helps them build more connection and find more joy and cooperation to their parenting. Robbin’s work focuses on building and strengthening the parent child relationship so that children grow up with resilience, confidence and strong emotional intelligence. She works with parents to help them understand their own emotions and frustrations in parenting, so they can help build their children’s sense of self without losing themselves in the process!
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more conversations with experts designed to help you support your middle school girl, please subscribe. You can also sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter to receive tips, resources, upcoming events, and new podcast episodes designed to support you and your child. And we want to hear from you! Let's connect on Instagram and send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls if you want your question answered on the podcast or have feedback on an episode. We're in this together, parents!
Why you're not getting cooperation from your teen
05 Jan 2023
00:43:55
Why can't the teenage years be easy? Why can't your kid just clean her room when you ask, and without the eye roll? In this episode adolescent psychologist Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, PhD explains how our expectations as parents influence our teen's growth and development, and not always in the way we want it to. We talk about the differences in parenting our kids today versus how we were parented, what’s missing from our communication when we want our kids to comply with our requests, and how so many of us are getting chores wrong (seriously, can you imagine having a teen who wants to do chores?). This episode will equip you with the tools to transform your relationship with your teen through communication and mutual respect. It's a must listen!
About the Guest Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, PhD, the "teen translator," is an adolescent psychologist, TEDx speaker, certified professional success coach (CPSC), host of the Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam podcast, author of Power Phrases for Parents: Teen Edition, and the co-founder and clinical lead of Thriving School Community, an organization that cultivates a culture of well-being in schools. For over two decades, she has been helping parents build strong, positive relationships with their teens through improved communication, connection, and understanding using her PRIME Parenting Framework. Dr. Cam is the mom of a teen too, so she not only talks the talk, she walks the walk!
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more conversations with experts designed to help you support your middle school girl, please subscribe. You can also sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter to receive tips, resources, upcoming events, and new podcast episodes designed to support you and your child. And we want to hear from you! Let's connect on Instagram and send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls if you want your question answered on the podcast or have feedback on an episode. We're in this together, parents!
How stress impacts learning
22 Dec 2022
00:35:30
Many of our kids are in a constant state of stress, with expectations of peak performance at school and extracurriculars, all to get into a good college and become "successful" one day. But at what expense? I talk with cognitive neuroscientist Erin Kendall Braun, PhD about the impact stress has on our kids' learning and development, as well as the implications this pressure has had on many college students as they tried to make the leap from college student to adult.
About the Guest: Erin Kendall Braun, PhD is a cognitive neuroscientist and the founder of FathomCo! She brings the rigor and creativity of the scientific process, along with specialized knowledge about how humans think, to her collaborations with visionary companies and leaders. She works with her clients to co-design solutions for education, healthcare, climate change and equity, based on how humans think and change.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more conversations with experts designed to help you support your middle school girl, please subscribe. You can also sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter to receive tips, resources, upcoming events, and new podcast episodes designed to support you and your child. And we want to hear from you! Let's connect on Instagram and send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls if you want your question answered on the podcast or have feedback on an episode. We're in this together, parents!
Becoming a more patient, present & mindful parent
15 Dec 2022
00:39:27
Did you know there are ways you can retrain your brain to be more compassionate and empathetic toward your middle schooler? With so many things changing and lots of emotions flying around at this age, I’m pretty sure every parent has said to themselves at some point, “I could’ve handled that better.” In this episode Dr. Rishma Walji, host of the XO Conversations podcast, talks to us about the science of mindset and her journey to be a more patient, present, and mindful parent to her two daughters.
About the Guest: After embarking on her own journey of self-(re)discovery, Dr. Rishma Walji created XO Living, a boutique health and wellness brand, as a way of cultivating a supportive community of growth-minded people who want to develop meaningful connections, with themselves and others, while having memorable experiences. Prior to XO, Dr. Rishma ran a thriving healthcare practice as a Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist for over 20 years focusing on hormone health and fertility.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more conversations with experts designed to help you support your middle school girl, please subscribe. You can also sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter to receive tips, resources, upcoming events, and new podcast episodes designed to support you and your child. And we want to hear from you! Let's connect on Instagram and send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls if you want your question answered on the podcast or have feedback on an episode. We're in this together, parents!
When talk therapy isn't enough: A holistic approach to helping teens regulate emotions
08 Dec 2022
00:36:23
In this episode, I talk with Devorah Goldblatt, a holistic counselor who supports teens and young adults. We talk about the limits of mindfulness and talk therapy, as well as research-proven techniques that teens and adults can implement today to combat the constant pressures of a 24/7 news cycle, social media, middle school friendship challenges, academic stress and more.
About the Guest: Devorah is a holistic counselor helping teens and early 20's overcome depression and anxiety with holistic modalities, like EFT/tapping, mindfulness, and self-EMDR. She fell down the holistic rabbit hole as a teen, after she experienced years of anxiety and depression that did not resolve even with psychiatric hospitalization, medication, and years of talk therapy.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more conversations with experts designed to help you support your middle school girl, please subscribe. You can also sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter to receive tips, resources, upcoming events, and new podcast episodes designed to support you and your child. And we want to hear from you! Let's connect on Instagram and send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls if you want your question answered on the podcast or have feedback on an episode. We're in this together, parents!
How trauma-informed education helps kids learn
29 Nov 2022
00:32:19
We're told that our kids need to go through challenges to build resilience, but what happens when they face hardship beyond what they're able to overcome on their own? In this episode, I discuss trauma-informed education with former middle school teacher, curriculum facilitator, and resilience expert Michelle Harris Jefferson. We discuss what trauma is, what it can look like for middle school students in the classroom, and how teachers and parents can empower kids to grow beyond their trauma.
About the Guest: Michelle Harris Jefferson is a Resilience Expert, Entrepreneur, Professional Educator, Mom and author of What Doesn't Kill You: A Memoir, which details her own life's struggles with poverty, mental health and her journey to overcome trauma despite the odds. She is the owner of Why We LEAP Consulting, LLC a firm which focuses on helping individuals and organizations operate through a trauma-informed lens. She is a mother and wife who speaks at conferences and events and conducts professional development far and wide while currently serving as a Curriculum Facilitator for Guilford County Schools.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more conversations with experts designed to help you support your middle school girl, please subscribe. You can also sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter to receive tips, resources, upcoming events, and new podcast episodes designed to support you and your child. And we want to hear from you! Let's connect on Instagram and send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls if you want your question answered on the podcast or have feedback on an episode. We're in this together, parents!
Help your teen get more sleep
14 Nov 2022
00:35:15
This is a topic I don't think we're talking about enough. Our kids, just like us adults, are sleep deprived and it's affecting them physically, mentally and emotionally. In this episode I interview triple-board certified sleep medicine physician Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown, about sleep in the teenage years. We discuss how lack of sleep is affecting our kids (and us parents) and how we can help our teens make sleep a priority.
About the Guest Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown is a triple board-certified sleep medicine physician passionate about helping people discover the gift of sleep as a superpower. She's also a speaker, educator, writer, and founder of RestfulSleepMD where she helps busy professional women and their children prioritize sleep to not only achieve their optimal health but also thrive and live to their fullest potential. She is a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, The American Academy of Pediatrics, and The Amerian Thoracic Society, and a frequent speaker at various conferences, summits, workshops, and association meetings.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more conversations with experts designed to help you support your middle school girl, please subscribe. You can also sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter to receive tips, resources, upcoming events, and new podcast episodes designed to support you and your child. And we want to hear from you! Let's connect on Instagram and send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls if you want your question answered on the podcast or have feedback on an episode. We're in this together, parents!
How to get things done when life gets hectic
30 Jan 2025
00:33:17
Family life tends to get even busier in the middle school years. Parents often wonder how they're supposed to get everything done without somehow creating more time in the day to do it all. In this episode, Lisa Zawrotny, productivity coach, parent, and podcast host, offers up the realities of navigating this busy life season and her best techniques for staying on top of the important stuff when life gets extra busy. Check out this episode if you're ready to be productive without feeling constantly overwhelmed.
Lisa Zawrotny is a Personalized Productivity Coach, founder of Positively Productive Systems, and host of the Positively Living® Podcast. She helps creatives and caregivers reduce overwhelm and achieve more with less so they can make space for what matters. When she’s not sharing how to simplify and stress less, you’ll find her hanging out with her husband and kiddos exploring the world through traveling, chilling out with movies, and sometimes acting like a rock star. Lisa has current certifications in time + stress management, life coaching, and positive psychology. She’s helped hundreds of clients do less, live more, and breathe easier.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
Helping our girls build true resilience
07 Nov 2022
00:35:56
We know our kids need resilience to succeed in today's world, but we don't always know how to help them develop it. In this episode I talk with mother-daughter duo Kayleigh & Cathy Hanlin about their experiences as parent and child through the challenging teen years, the importance of helping our kids stand out rather than fit in, and allowing our kids to solve their own challenges. Cathy & Kayleigh show us that resilience is a type of confidence that comes from knowing who you are and knowing you can work through whatever comes next.
About the Guest Cathy is a results coach and has 20+ experience in corporate management. Her proudest accomplishments are her three children. Kayleigh is an expert daughter and has a background in operations and marketing. Her love of books is what sparked her interest to create a journal.
Learn more about Kayleigh & Cathy's work at https://www.mindsempowered.com/. Connect with Kayleigh & Cathy on Facebook. Connect with Kayleigh & Cathy on Instagram.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more conversations with experts designed to help you support your middle school girl, please subscribe. You can also sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter to receive tips, resources, upcoming events, and new podcast episodes designed to support you and your child. And we want to hear from you! Let's connect on Instagram and send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls if you want your question answered on the podcast or have feedback on an episode. We're in this together, parents!
Middle schoolers & moms advocating for change
27 Oct 2022
00:42:32
Are you happy with the direction our country is headed and how it impacts our school-age kids? Whether it's the economy, climate change, the mental health of our kids, LGBTQ, or something else impacting our world today, there's probably something you care deeply about that you feel you have no control over. What if there was something you can do to solve the big issues of our time so that the world we pass onto our kids is in better shape than it is today? In this episode, mother and daughter Cynthia Changyit Levin and Yara Changyit-Levin talk about how moms and kids can get involved in advocacy and lobbying.
Mentioned in this episode: Sunrise Movement https://www.sunrisemovement.org/
About the Guest: Cynthia Changyit Levin is the author of From Changing Diapers to Changing the World: Why Moms Make Great Advocates and How to Get Started. A non-partisan activist working across a variety of issues, Levin coaches volunteers of all ages to build productive relationships with members of Congress. She advocated side-by-side with her two children from their toddler to teen years and crafted a new approach to advocacy based upon her strengths as a mother. She is currently a volunteer with RESULTS, the ONE campaign, Bread for the World, CARE, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, MomsRising, and the UN Foundation's Shot@Life Campaign.
Learn more about Cynthia's work at www.changyit.com. Connect with Cynthia on Instagram. Connect with Cynthia on Facebook.
Yara Changyit-Levin is a freshman in college, advocates for global health and climate justice, and is active in a myriad of fandoms. Since they were in elementary school, they have lobbied members of Congress and reached out to their community to help build political will toward solving the world’s biggest problems. They are the author of a forthcoming non-fiction book about political advocacy for people under 18 years old, as well as numerous creative writing projects (LGBTQ+ Jewish pirates, missing persons case that turns into a quest across the Judaism-inspired fantasy world, ghosts with dubious intentions, found family trope, etc).
Check out Yara's blog at https://yarachangyitlevin.wixsite.com/website.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more conversations with experts designed to help you support your middle school girl, please subscribe. You can also sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter to receive tips and resources, upcoming events, and new podcast episodes, all designed to support you and your child. And we want to hear from you! Let's connect on Instagram and send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls if you have a question you'd like answered on the podcast or have feedback on an episode. We're in this together, parents!
Teaching our girls to create healthy boundaries
22 Oct 2022
00:33:38
A lack of healthy boundaries can result in a life of burnout, resentment, and frustration. We don't want this for our girls! But it's hard for our young people (and let's be honest, for many of us adults) to stop putting the wants and needs of others before our own. If you identify as a people pleaser or feel constantly overwhelmed and you want to teach your child a different way, this episode is for you. I interview Dr. Nicole Monteiro, psychologist, & founder of Boundaries to Bliss Bootcamp, about how we can incorporate lessons into our girls' daily lives to help them create boundaries, learn how to make themselves a priority, and speak up when the time is right. We also talk about the lessons and opportunities Dr. Nicole's parents provided her during her middle school years and how it led to her incredible career spanning the globe.
About the Guest: Dr. Nicole Monteiro is a licensed psychologist, university professor, published author, and owner of the Center for Healing and Development, PLLC (CHAD). She earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Howard University, with an emphasis on culture and mental health and a minor in neuropsychology. She has received extensive training in trauma and PTSD, global mental health, and organizational dynamics. Dr. Monteiro helps women all over the world achieve transformation and healing through her masterclasses, wellness retreats, and group coaching programs. Her newest coaching program, the Boundaries to Bliss Bootcamp, helps women to supercharge their relationships and build confidence through healthy boundaries.
Learn more about Dr. Nicole's work at www.chadwellness.com & www.nicolemonteirophd.com. Connect with Dr. Nicole Monteiro on Instagram.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more conversations with experts designed to help you support your middle school girl, please subscribe. You can also sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter to receive tips and resources, upcoming events, and new podcast episodes, all designed to support you and your child. And we want to hear from you! Let's connect on Instagram and send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls if you have a question you'd like answered on the podcast or have feedback on an episode. We're in this together, parents!
The skills schools don't teach that your child needs
14 Oct 2022
00:36:02
In this episode I had the opportunity to talk with Caroline Sumners, former teacher and founder of Empower Academic Coaching. We discuss the limits on what teachers have the capacity to teach our students, and how executive functioning - something not really taught in school - can be the missing puzzle piece to help your kid succeed academically. We also discuss how helping our kids learn how to organize and study can result in:
Better relationships with teachers Improved family dynamics Less school frustration Improved communication with teachers and adults
About the Guest: Caroline Sumners is the president & founder of Empower Academic Coaching, an individualized academic and coaching support program for middle & high schoolers that focuses on developing the whole student. A former middle & high school science & English teacher, Caroline was inspired to start her company when she saw how little time there was in the classroom setting to teach effective strategies for learning rather than just content. Caroline loves helping students take control of their academic goals, strengthen their executive function skills, and gain confidence by providing a space where they learn alternative solutions and strategies not typically taught in a school setting. Caroline & her team have now supported over 170 families through individual student coaching & parent trainings. Caroline lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her wife and 2 dogs.
Learn more about Caroline's work at https://www.empoweracademiccoaching.com/. Connect with Caroline on Instagram. Connect with Caroline on Facebook.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more conversations with experts designed to help you support your middle school girl, please subscribe. You can also sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter to receive tips and resources, upcoming events, and new podcast episodes, all designed to support you and your child. And we want to hear from you! Let's connect on Instagram and send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls if you have a question you'd like answered on the podcast or have feedback on an episode. We're in this together, parents!
How to handle your middle schooler's big emotions
30 Sep 2022
00:39:14
As parents, what's our role when our middle schooler has negative emotions? Should we help them problem solve to relieve the cause? Or should we help them work to get past what they're feeling and focus on the good? It's natural for us parents to want to make our kids' bad feelings go away, but many times what we should be doing is teaching our kids how to process the emotion they're in. In this episode, Tara O'Brien, ADHD expert, and former middle school teacher and principal, explains the importance of allowing our kids to feel the emotions they're in as well as help them understand what our emotions are trying to tell us.
About the Guest Tara O'Brien is an interpersonal relationship coach, teacher, and ADHD expert, and has 14 years as a middle school teacher and principal. Tara teaches moms how to quickly shift the dynamics in their homes and in their relationships without adding more to their already full plate. By eliminating the fear, doubt, overwhelm, and frustration inherent in raising children, Tara's clients achieve a state of peace and calm while reconnecting with the deep joy and love they have for their children. Through her coaching program, Tara's clients develop a deep connection with themselves and their children, become unshakably confident to handle whatever life throws at them, and have a powerfully calm presence for their families. Learn more about Tara's work at www.dramafreeadhd.com. Connect with Tara on Instagram.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more conversations with experts designed to help you support your middle school girl, please subscribe. You can also sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter to receive tips and resources, upcoming events, and new podcast episodes, all designed to support you and your child. And we want to hear from you! Let's connect on Instagram and send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls if you have a question you'd like answered on the podcast or have feedback on an episode. We're in this together, parents!
Middle School: Safety Goggles Advised book chat with author Jessica Speer
20 Sep 2022
00:38:38
"It's a rare kid that sails through middle school feeling like they got this all figured out." At least that's what author Jessica Speer determined after interviewing hundreds of seventh-grade students for her latest book, Middle School: Safety Goggles Advised. In this episode, I have a chance to talk to Jessica about what middle schoolers had to say were the trickiest parts of middle school. Our kids may not make it through middle school without a few tears and hurt feelings, but they'll be better equipped to navigate the common challenges faced in middle school with Jessica's book. We talk about some things that have existed since we parents were in middle school, like popularity and gossip, plus the ones we didn't have to deal with as kids, like social media.
About the Guest: Jessica Speer is the award-winning author of BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)? A Girls Guide to Happy Friendships (2021) and Middle School: Safety Goggles Advised (2022). Her interactive books engage and entertain readers by combining the stories of preteens and teens with fun activities, like quizzes and fill-in-the-blanks. Blending humor, a dash of science, and practical insights, her writing unpacks the tricky stuff that peaks during adolescence. Connect with Jessica on Instagram. Learn more about Jessica's books at www.jessicaspeer.com.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more conversations with experts designed to help you support your middle school girl, please subscribe. You can also sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter to receive tips and resources, upcoming events, and new podcast episodes, all designed to support you and your child. And we want to hear from you! Let's connect on Instagram and send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls if you have a question you'd like answered on the podcast or have feedback on an episode. We're in this together, parents!
Helping your teen tell her story through songwriting with Emma G
19 Sep 2022
00:40:15
Are you looking for a way to help your middle schooler express the complex emotions she’s feeling? Between the stress of higher academic demands, friendship changes, and a new, more independent identity starting to emerge, our kids have a lot going on and don't always know how to communicate it. And many of our kids carry so much more on their shoulders than the everyday challenges of middle school, like trauma, mental health challenges, medical challenges, and more. We may not be able to take away the hardships our kids face, but we can help them understand and address what they’re experiencing.
In today's episode, I'm interviewing singer, songwriter, and youth empowerment coach Emma G how teens can use songwriting to express themselves. By helping our kids combine music and language the outcome is so much more than art.
About the Guest: TEDx Speaker, Singer/songwriter, Musician, and Youth Empowerment Coach Emma G has been using the power of music to empower, inspire, and motivate audiences worldwide her entire life. Born with a rare neurological condition called hydrocephalus, Emma G has used the power of music and songwriting to recover from multiple traumas, including ten brain surgeries, by writing and singing her truth, sharing her experiences, and turning her lessons into blessings. Learn more about Emma G's work at www.emmagmusic.com. Connect with Emma G on Facebook and Instagram. Watch Emma G's TedX talk. Check out Reconnect with Your Teenager: A Parent's Guide to Helping Your Stressed or Anxious Kid Through the Art of Songwriting.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more conversations with experts designed to help you support your middle school girl, please subscribe. You can also sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter to receive tips and resources, upcoming events, and new podcast episodes, all designed to support you and your child. And we want to hear from you! Let's connect on Instagram and send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls if you have a question you'd like answered on the podcast or have feedback on an episode. We're in this together, parents!
Improving parent-teen communication
14 Sep 2022
00:42:24
Many of us find that communication with our tweens and teens can be very different than when we're talking to friends or colleagues. Sometimes everything seems fine at first, and then suddenly, our middle schooler can just lose it. Maybe they blow up, or perhaps they do the opposite and just shut down. In either case, when this happens we’ve lost our chance to connect. In today's episode, I'm talking with Marni Ratner, founder of UniverSOUL Space, who has cracked the code on communication with teens. We talk about parent-teen, as well as kids' conversations with their peers. It may feel like it's out of our control, but there's a lot we as parents can do to foster an open dialogue with our teens and support them as they navigate peer-to-peer challenges.
About the Guest: Marni Ratner is the founder of UniverSOUL Space, and creator of aCHIeve Vocal Studio, where she works with teens to express themselves better and with more confidence. Marni graduated from The Boston Conservatory of Music with a BM in Musical Theater with years of professional credits under her belt. Marni is a true creative and inspired teacher with over 20 years of experience in teaching creative arts. She connects more as a channel of expression rather than as a performer. Her skill set is wide and intuitive and includes wisdom junki, yoga teacher, optimal performance coaching in voice and communication, therapeutic breath facilitator, and Reiki Master. She energetically connects with clients on multiple levels that address the whole person. Learn more about Marni's work at Www.UniverSOULspace.com. Connect with Marni on Instagram or Facebook.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more conversations with experts designed to help you support your middle school girl, please subscribe. You can also sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter to receive tips and resources, upcoming events, and new podcast episodes, all designed to support you and your child. And we want to hear from you! Let's connect on Instagram and send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls if you have a question you'd like answered on the podcast or have feedback on an episode. We're in this together, parents!
Welcome to the Raising Middle School podcast!
14 Sep 2022
00:06:25
Welcome to the Raising Middle School podcast! This episode offers a quick introduction to what will be discussed on the podcast, who will benefit from listening, and some of the topics that will be covered.
Connect with the podcast on Instagram, send a DM with the burning questions you have about raising your middle school girl, and we'll try to address your question in a future episode!
Skincare & TikTok: Why moms need to be their tween's top influencer
17 Jan 2025
00:26:56
Is your middle school girl more into her skincare regime than you are? Do you wonder if the chemicals in her products are safe? In this episode, Janice talks with Kimberly Grustas, founder of Good for You Girls, the first clean line of skincare dedicated to girls in the US. Kim explains how the chemicals found in skincare can be harmful to our girls and offers simple but powerful steps for moms to stay relevant and remain their daughter’s biggest influencer.
Kimberly Grustas founded Good For You Girls to protect girls from toxic chemicals during puberty. With over 15 years in natural products and nutrition, Kim recognized the risks of estrogenic chemicals and was concerned by the harmful ingredients in products marketed to young girls. The lack of safe, effective and age-appropriate products combined with her knowledge about the lowering age of puberty was all she needed to launch this transformative brand to help other moms keep their daughters safe.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
How to motivate our middle schoolers
13 Nov 2024
00:41:38
The tactics that motivated our younger kids often don't work on our tweens and teens. So what does it take to get your kid to care about the stuff they need to do at school and beyond? In today's episode, Becca Block, author of Can you Help Me Give a Sh*t?, gives us the recipe to create an environment where our kids want to do the things that are good for them to do, and why some of the most common tactics for motivation result in burnout in some of our kids and apathy in others.
About the Guest: Dr. Rebecca R. Block has been working in service of young people for over twenty years, and is the lead author of the new book Can You Help Me Give a Sh*t? Unlocking Teen Motivation in School and Life, which she co-wrote with undergraduate student Grace Edwards. As an educator, researcher, youth coach, and parent, she is steeped in both the research on motivation, positive youth development, and learning science as well as the lived experience of connecting with young people as they learn and grow. She's passionate about supporting young people in developing their agency, goals, and sustainable motivation so they can thrive not just in school but throughout their life.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
The real reason you have to nag your kid for them to get things done
01 Nov 2024
00:26:45
Does it feel like your middle schooler requires constant reminders to do the important things? Or does it feel like they're willfully not doing the things they need to do? It may not be intentional, but rather a gap in their executive functioning. In this episode, executive function coach Carrie Bonnett helps listeners understand how their children's brains work and provides strategies to help kids get things done. The good news is that even though some struggle with executive functioning, these are skills that can be taught to improve our kids' time management, organization, and more.
About the Guest: Carrie Bonnett is a veteran teacher and lifelong list-maker. She is an Executive Function coach based in Bend, Oregon, where she lives with her husband and two children. Carrie works with students and families all over the world. Her no-shame approach and the strategies she teaches:
empower students to thrive in life and in school,
help parents and teachers to better support their children, and
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
Teaching kids how to think clearly in a world of bad information
25 Oct 2024
00:28:22
Do you worry about what kind of "information" your kids are exposed to? From fake news, to clickbait headlines, to sneaky sales tactics, we're exposed to faulty logic everyday designed to make us think, feel or do things. What if your kid (and you) could learn how to spot these tactics and not fall victim to their attempts? With a little bit of knowledge it may be easier than you think. In today's episode, I talk with Kathy Gibbens, host of the Filter it Through a Brain Cell podcast. Kathy is a mom who's made it her mission to help teens learn how to think clearly in a world filled with bad reasoning.
About the Guest Kathy Gibbens loves teaching people how to think well. As a homeschool mom, one of her goals has been to teach her daughter HOW to think, not just WHAT to think. Kathy's daughter was in 7th grade when the pandemic broke out and that year they read a book about logical fallacies. To Kathy's surprise & delight, her daughter started to be able to recognize bad thinking everywhere! That's when Kathy realized that people who are trained to recognize truth and foolishness are impossible to fool!
She knew she had to start teaching this topic - our world desperately needs people who can think well! The Filter It Through a Brain Cell podcast was born and in each short, fun episode, Kathy teaches teens (and their parents!) how to recognize bad thinking, practice media discernment and think well.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you support your middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!
The challenges of mother-daughter relationships
17 Oct 2024
00:40:49
Do you feel like your relationship has become more challenging with your daughter in middle school? It may not be just a feeling. Many factors impact the mother daughter relationship during middle school. In this episode, Andrea Burkly and Jessica Hutchison, Emotionally Focused Couples therapists, mothers, and co-hosts of the Honest Women podcast, discuss how to preserve and foster a healthy relationship with our daughters through these challenging years.
About the Guests: Andrea Burkly and Jessica Hutchison are two very real mental health therapists with thriving private practices in the suburbs of Chicago. They are the co-hosts of the Honest Women podcast, where they take the topics that come up all the time in therapy (aka, LIFE) and discuss them. It's the podcast equivalent of drinks with your best mom-friends, if you best mom-friends just happen to be therapists!
Listen to the Honest Women podcast. Connect with the Honest Women podcast on IG. Connect with the Honest Women podcast on FB. Learn more about Andrea Burkly's work at www.andreaburkly.com. Learn more about Jessica Hutchison's work at www.jlhutchison.com.
Connect with Raising Middle School Girls: Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. Want to hear more from experts who can help you raise a competent, confident, & kind middle school girl? Please subscribe to the podcast or sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter. Do you have a burning question about raising your middle school girl? Send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls on Instagram to have your question considered for a future episode. We're in this together, parents!