The Elevated Adolescence Podcast

If you're just discovering this podcast, you're finding me at an interesting time. I started Elevated Adolescence pre-pandemic 4 years ago, and I've focused on supporting middle schoolers and parents thrive through these years - in more ways than one. It's been an honor to support all of you! Listen in to find out why I'm evolving this podcast, what this means for you, parents, and your tween/teen, and where you can find me. ____________________ P.S. Three things: #1: If you aren't on my email list you'll want to be. It's where I share more personal stories and wisdom to guide you through the tween and teen years. Head to www.theteenageguide.com on 4/27/23! #2: If you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can learn and support their own families. #3: Be sure to head to The Teenage Guide podcast on 4/27/23 as this podcast evolves to holistically support parents, tweens, and teens throughout the journey of adolescence. I can't wait to see you there!

So, I had something else planned entirely for today's episode, but the mood strikes to talk about something else. The current trending, but archaic trend of the invisible load moms are carrying. I feel it deeply. The way we've been conditioned to hold the space. Check in on others around us. The unequal distribution of labor. If you're ready for a pep talk, and a reminder that the invisible load you're carrying for your tween and teen matters, listen in now. I'm right there with you, Ashley ____________________ P.S. Two things: #1: If you aren't on my email list you need to be. It's where I share personal stories, and the most insights and tips for elevating your middle school experience each week. Join me here, and get a free resource while you're at it! www.elevatedadolescence.com/resources  #2: If you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can learn and support their own families. Episode analytics

I've been patiently waiting to use this nod to Taylor Swift. Genius, I tell ya. You know how parenting your adolescent brings up your worst fears? Your insecurities? 'Am I equipped to handle this' thoughts? You're not alone. This is very common; it happens to all of us. And, it's often rooted in your own adolescent story that's gone unprocessed. In this week's episode, I guide you through 10 questions to get you thinking and making sense of your own story. This is important because... you want your adolescent to live their own life, not a projection of the life you didn't have you want your adolescent to walk out the door feeling confident and trusting themselves and, you want your adolescent to treat you and others with respect All of these wants are valid, and making them real in your life often starts with ensuring your projections are a thing of the past. I hope this helps you get closer to the peace you deserve, Ashley ____________________ P.S. Three things: #1: Send me an email if you're interested in being a Founding Member for my Monthly Membership as I mention in the episode! ashley@elevatedadolescence.com #2: If you aren't on my email list you need to be. I'm about to release a brand new program - and if you're signed up - you'll be the first to know (and you get a discount) Join me here, and get a free resource while you're at it! www.elevatedadolescence.com/resources #3: If you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can learn and support their own families.

Four words I want you to always remember when it comes to parenting your tween and teen: All Behavior is Communication. But what is their behavior communicating? More often than not, what you think is intentional moodiness, disrespect, or laziness is actually something very different. That's why I'm excited to bring you this week's podcast episode. "Is their behavior a can't or a won't?" Listen in to learn: > what stress has to do with their behavior > a simple framework for you to follow that allows you to detect the cause of their behavior with greater ease > why this work has the power to change you and your adolescent's lives for the better (within moments!) I hope this helps you feel the ease and peace you both deserve, Ashley ____________________ P.S. Two things: #1: If you aren't on my email list you need to be. I'm about to release a brand new program - and if you're signed up - you'll be the first to know (and you get a discount) Join me here, and get a free resource while you're at it! www.elevatedadolescence.com/resources #2: If you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can learn and support their own families.

Parenting an 11 to 13-year old is filled with hair-raising questions like, Should I let her watch 13? Should I let her have a boyfriend? Should I let them have Snapchat? The truth is, in order to answer these questions confidently, you've got to do some inner digging and exploration. An expert can never tell you yes or no at a certain point without knowing your unique child. You need tools you can use right now on your own, which is why I created this week's episode just for you. Inside this episode you'll learn: > Where you must begin in order to answer these questions with confidence > Why an expert opinion may or may not fly for you, and how to approach instead > Why these challenges are a huge opportunity for both of you I hope you use my simple formula to approach this whole process with more confidence and less fear. I'm always rooting you on, Ashley ____________________ P.S. Two things: #1: If you aren't on my email list you need to be. It's where I share personal stories, and the most insights and tips for elevating your middle school experience each week. Join me here, and get a free resource while you're at it! www.elevatedadolescence.com/resources #2: If you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can learn and support their own families.

Do you ever feel like you're repeating yourself, living out the same stressful routines over and over again with your middle schooler? Well, these routines are just the culmination of several habits put together. If you're ready, listen in to learn: > the science of habit formation (this is super fun and fascinating to learn, in my opinion) > how to integrate what the science says of habit formation with the psychology of behavioral change. In other words, how to communicate with your middle schooler around habits so they actually listen to you, make it their own, and take action on forming new habits. > and, why habits often fail inside home and lives of adolescents You and your middle schooler have the power to change, Ashley ____________________ P.S. Two things: #1: If you aren't on my email list you need to be. It's where I share personal stories, and the most insights and tips for elevating your middle school experience each week. Join me here, and get a free resource while you're at it! www.elevatedadolescence.com/resources #2: If you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can learn and support their own families.

Welcome! I had something else planned for this week's podcast, but decided to turn a recent challenge of mine into an episode instead. Listen in to get an inside look into: *my recent breakdown *what's really at the root *and, how you can use this to make you and your adolescent's life better This episode has me repeating, "Just because it's uncomfortable, doesn't mean it's bad." I'm always rooting you on ~ AC ____________________ P.S. Two things: #1: If you aren't on my email list you need to be. It's where I share personal stories, and the most insights and tips for elevating your middle school experience each week. Join me here, and get a free resource while you're at it! www.elevatedadolescence.com/resources #2: If you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can learn and support their own families.

In the spirit of bringing some light to your day, and as a way to show you part of the 'real' me, I spontaneously hit 'record' as my daughter, Norah, and I were sitting together. I've wanted to do this for so long! So, here's a glimpse into a piece of our dynamic, my biggest 'why' for why I do this work, and some drops of wisdom from my favorite 11-year old. Inside this episode you'll hear: what Norah thinks we're doing right as parents, and where we could grow (I think she could've gone even deeper, but this was our first recording, so I'll give her time;) her wisdom around what parents should do if their middle schooler is having a hard time and, me laughing at my own ridiculous jokes (and Norah's classic response) You don't have to have a podcast to practice this yourself. What if you spontaneously hit 'record' during a conversation with your kid? It could end up being a priceless gem like this. I hope you enjoy! ____________________ P.S. Two things: #1: If you aren't on my email list you need to be. It's where I share personal stories, and the most insights and tips for elevating your middle school experience each week. Join me here, and get a free resource while you're at it! www.elevatedadolescence.com/resources #2: If you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can learn and support their own families.

Consider your time and attention invested in these years like early intervention for all the awareness, skills, and tools you want your kid to build throughout life. Inside this episode, you will learn: What I mean when I say 'middle school' Why this is the optimal time to model and help your kid build social-emotional and executive function skills And, a personal story of how I connected these dots If you're wondering why I focus on these years and why I encourage you to do the same, listen in now. ____________________ As always, if you like this episode, thank you for giving it a 5-star rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you big high-fives and boatloads of peace in this new year. "Highly recommend! A great guide for those living or working with adolescents. Ashley's experience is apparent in the informative yet approachable episodes." In the spirit of kicking off this new year with your middle schooler with less stress, I've recently created a a FREE PDF List with suggestions for de-stressing that you can print and easily hang on your fridge or in a room you'll see it regularly - www.elevatedadolescence.com/destress Enjoy!

There's no better way to make you and your adolescent's 2023 dreams come true than to make de-stressing a part of your daily practice. The impacts for both of you and your bodies and brains are profound. Inside this episode, you will learn: About the stress-mind-body connection What stress does to the brain (and the impacts on your middle schooler's developing brain) And, Essential stress reduction strategies to practice so when stress builds during this next term of the school year, you have simple practices in place. As you listen to this episode, I invite you to be aware of your own thinking. Where can you keep the practice of de-stressing really simple? Where can you say no more? Or, take less on? Sometimes we overcomplicate problems and really there can be simple solutions that are often linked to pausing, and de-stressing where we can. Just for you, (I've created a a FREE PDF List with suggestions for de-stressing that you can print and easily hang on your fridge or in a room you'll see it regularly - www.elevatedadolescence.com/destress - it's also linked in the show notes.) Let 2023 be your year to heal and make living fully your top priority! Cheers to YOU. P.S. If only you wonder what's actually needed to help your middle schooler do what they need to do, and build solid executive function skills, I've got something for you! I created a brand new FREE class just for you: 'The Essential Path to Your Middle Schooler's Executive Function Success' Register TODAY to get a jump start and relieve some stress right now. Simply head to www.elevatedadolescence.com/efclass I can't wait to see you there! ____________________ As always, if you like this episode, thank you for giving it a 5-star rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you big high-fives and boatloads of peace in this new year.

From how to support your anxious middle schooler, to how to keep your kid safe from sexual content online, you guys listened in and casted your vote on your favorite episodes from 2022. Come celebrate a full calendar year of The Elevated Adolescence podcast with me, and leave feeling refreshed and resourced as a middle school parent. I say it all the time, but it's true: parenting the most important job on the planet, and parenting a middle schooler (well) is not for the faint of heart. The sheer fact that you're listening to this now demonstrates your willingness to show up, learn, and ask for support. Thank you for joining me! I'm honored, and can't wait to see what 2023 brings for ALL OF US. ~Ashley ____________________ P.S. It's the holidays, and school is on break soon (or now!), but since you're the adult you never stop thinking about what's coming around the corner, and you know that right after the holidays, a new year and school terms begins. If only you could actually begin the new year with your middle schooler with a fresh, clean slate and an understanding of exactly how to help your middle schooler build the skills they need to do what they need to do. Well, parents, you are in luck. I created a brand new FREE class just for you: Executive Function Essentials for Middle schoolers and Caregivers And, you can register TODAY to get a jump start and relieve some stress right now. Simply head to www.elevatedadolescence.com/efclass I hope to see you there! ____________________ As always, if you like this episode, thank you for giving it a 5-star rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you big high-fives and boatloads of peace to start 2023 FRESH.

The ups and downs of middle school are real. And, parenting during this stage is a very, very hard job. (That's why I do what I do;) But, viewing adolescence as this terrible stage filled with only drama, pimples, mood swings, and hard times comes with an opportunity and sanity cost. And, I'm all about helping you stay sane and make the most of this time! In this episode I share the 'ESSENCE of Adolescence', coined from Dr. Dan Siegel, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine and the founding co-director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA. Listen in to learn: why your middle schooler's experience is essential to humanity progressing and becoming more conscious the ups and downs within ESSENCE; how to minimize the downsides and maximize the upsides and, how this big picture perspective can carry you through the temporary, yet challenging times Remember, just because it's uncomfortable doesn't mean it's bad. (And, I'm with you in spirit.) Cheers to YOU and your peace. ____________________ P.S. It's the holidays, and school is on break soon (or now!), but since you're the adult you never stop thinking about what's coming around the corner, and you know that right after the holidays, a new year and school terms begins. Be honest. What comes up for you when you think about another school term starting? Do you have a sense of dread? Get a pit in your stomach? Feel overwhelmed because the last term was such a roller coast ride for you and your kiddo. Are you filled with some frustration, anxiety, or breakdowns? If only you could actually begin the new year with your middle schooler with a fresh, clean slate and an understanding of exactly how to help your middle schooler build the skills they need to do what they need to do. Well, parents, you are in luck. I created a brand new FREE class just for you: Executive Function Essentials for Middle schoolers and Caregivers And, you can register TODAY to get a jump start and relieve some stress right now. Simply head to www.elevatedadolescence.com/efclass I hope to see you there! ____________________ As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you a huge virtual hug and high-five for an amazing end to this calendar year, this school term, and holiday season!

This week's topic is biggy for a number of reasons. "I just want my kid to be confident" is the #1 request I get from parents. Authentic confidence is directly connected to where we all learn to feel successful from the inside out, and it really can build or break in these early adolescent years. Inside this episode, you'll learn: > What confidence really is > The connection between confidence and perfectionism > & The missing link to your middle schooler's confidence and how to connect with them around this topic to ensure they are on board without resistance Confidence isn't something you can buy, and it certainly can't be forced upon your kid. Listen in now to learn how you can give your middle schooler an authentic, sustainable confidence boost, and how deeply connected it is to this season of the year. ____________________ P.S. It's the holidays, and school is on break soon (or now!), but since you're the adult you never stop thinking about what's coming around the corner, and you know that right after the holidays, a new year and school terms begins. Be honest. What comes up for you when you think about another school term starting? Do you have a sense of dread? Get a pit in your stomach? Feel overwhelmed because the last term was such a roller coast ride for you and your kiddo. Are you filled with some frustration, anxiety, or breakdowns? If only you could actually begin the new year with your middle schooler with a fresh, clean slate and an understanding of exactly how to help your middle schooler build the skills they need to do what they need to do. Well, parents, you are in luck. I created a brand new FREE class just for you: Executive Function Essentials for Middle schoolers and Caregivers And, you can register TODAY to get a jump start and relieve some stress right now. Simply head to www.elevatedadolescence.com/efclass I hope to see you there, and I'm sending you peace this holiday season. ____________________ As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you a huge virtual hug and high-five for an amazing end to this calendar year, this school term, and holiday season!

The truth is that most students don't really know how to study. Teachers do the best they can at teaching, and giving clues as to what will be on tests (sometimes), but, rarely are students explicitly taught how to study in ways that work for their unique brain. In today's episode I'm sharing my top 6 must-have study strategies every middle (high and college) student must know. Each strategy: > is backed in executive function, education, and neuroscience research > explicitly teaches you and your middle schooler how to make things sticky to their unique brain and learning style, and in ways that build their cognitive resilience, or ability to withstand that dreaded test anxiety. I've also created a Free PDF Guide, so you can take what's inside this episode and make it real in your students life, at https://www.elevatedadolescence.com/study Listen in, download the guide, and be ready for a confidence boost in and out of school! ____________________ As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you a huge virtual hug and high-five for an amazing end to this calendar year and school term. Listen in now!

If you're noticing a dip in your middle schooler's mindset, attitude, or grades, you're not alone. It's very common to start the school year optimistic, but around this time some patterns may start to reveal themselves. >Family routine ruts >You don't really know what's happening in your middle schooler's school day and no one is communicating well >Or, you're learning they aren't able to keep up with school But you don't know where to begin with any of it, and you want to give them the most support you can in a way that won't feel like it's doomed from the start. Enter this week's episode! I'm back this week to share with you: The essential 3-step pre-work needed before you begin (it's probably not what you think) Why being realistic instead of a dreamer is important, and how to set real, attainable goals How to examine what tests, projects lie ahead through a strategic lens What's actually essential to progress Annnd, lucky you. First, I've got a free PDF guide that goes with this episode, so you have your very own guide that walks you through the details inside this episode and you can customize it WITH your middle schooler: https://www.elevatedadolescence.com/finish2022strong And, this is a 2-part series. Next week I'm sharing my favorite studying strategies every middle schooler must know so you can make this plan real inside your own home. I hope this helps you and your middle schooler! ____________________ As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you a huge virtual hug and high-five for an amazing end to this calendar year and school term. Listen in now!

In honor of my friend, Maya Spaull Johnsen, who passed away earlier this year, and this being her birthday week, I invite you and your middle schooler to pause and reflect. Reflect on the ways you might be hurting, or in need of healing. Notice the areas of your life where you're rushing. You're numb. You're resentful, or stressed. Know that you have another choice in each moment to de-clutter your life and live with more peace. Send yourself some compassion - you can never have enough! Simply express gratitude for how much you've overcome, and appreciation for your support system. Give those areas attention and love right here and now. Right now is all you really have. Maya inspired me to do meaningful work, so I dedicate the space of this week's episode to her. She was an executive at Fair Trade USA, and has been since we met in our 20's. She was responsible for helping to improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of factory workers and farmers, and her legacy lives on in the partnerships she forged with many organizations you likely buy from today. In honor of Fair Trade Month, consider making a purchase to continue the incredible ripple effect of Maya's legacy. https://www.fairtradecertified.org/ ____________________ As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you a huge virtual hug and high-five for an amazing start to this school year. You're not alone, and you and your kid deserve all the good that life brings. Listen in now!

We are at a deep cross roads as a species. I feel it everyday personally and professionally. That's why I felt so pulled to produce this week's episode. I can feel anxious and worried, just like so many parents, but I always come back to center. Why? Because I have the belief that our conscious awareness and true Self is who we really are, and the bumpy road of adolescence has a greater purpose within human life. This belief guides and supports my work every day, which is why I wanted to share it with you here. Inside this episode I'll share: > what I mean by "spiritual purpose", and why I have an aversion to religion (this is super vulnerable for me to talk about) > the repeated pattern inside some spiritual teachings, wisdom traditions, and philosophies, and how you can apply this to parenting your adolescent right now > & how knowing this pattern can help you feel grounded in the midst of any challenge you or your adolescent face When I talk about elevating each and every adolescent, underneath that statement is the firm belief that each one of us matters just as we are, and it is our job as parents to help our kids feel valued simply because they exist. Keep uplifting yourself and your middle schooler. ~Ashley ____________________ As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you a huge virtual hug and high-five for an amazing start to this school year. You're not alone, and you and your kid deserve all the good that life brings. Listen in now! p.s. Be sure to listen in because I've got an exciting announcement! If you're close to overwhelm, pulling out your hair, or daily anxiety around parenting your middle schooler, it's time for a much-needed confidence boost, my friends! I've decided that each month I'll be hosting my successful free, LIVE Masterclass: Middle School Confidence for Parents. And, the response so far has been amazing! Inside the class, you'll learn: >How to Stop Feeling Anxious as a Middle School Parent >The #1 Factor That Makes Success Inevitable >& My 4-part Proven Method to Get Your Middle Schooler (& Yourself) Feeling More Joyful, Confident, and Successful (I've used this with every parent and every kid I've worked with!) This method is the key for you to confidently navigate struggles at home, school, and with peers. And, the best part? It's free! All you have to do is register for an upcoming day / time that works for you at: www.elevatedadolescence.com/masterclass2022

We are prescribed a culture of constant doing. Your to-do list never ends, all while balancing the needs of everyone in your home. If you're overwhelmed or stressed out thinking that there's never enough time in the day, you're not alone. This hamster wheel of time in Western culture is a lot, and it's virtually impossible to hold it all with your sanity in tact, my friends. In today's quick episode, I share a simple mindset shift to: > help you reframe parental overwhelm and time stress > set yourself up to feel lighter the moment you start your day > implement with 100% certainty your middle schooler will benefit Here's to you harnessing the power of your own mind, Keep uplifting yourself and your middle schooler. You deserve it. ~Ashley ____________________ As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. Listen in now!

I get a lot of questions from middle school parents and they usually fall into the following categories. How do I get my kid to... listen to me? be motivated? be confident? not talk back? do what they need to do? make healthy friends who like the real them? Maybe you can relate? Now, unfortunately I'm not able to work with every single parent that comes my way. Which is why I recently hosted a free, live class: 'Middle School Confidence for Parents', sharing my 4-part proven method to solve any middle school challenge. And, today, I'm sharing the class with YOU. This is the method I use over and over again, customized to each and every family. Listen in to learn: > The #1 Factor that makes your peace inevitable > What is behind the life you're living and the life you crave as a parent > How to approach your relationship so your middle schooler invites you in, instead of shutting you out > What is required so you don't have to tell them to do something 1,000 times And, so much more. When you have access to this method, you have the pieces to the middle school puzzle. Period. Here's to you, your learning, and your willingness to show up in all the ways you do. Keep uplifting yourself and your middle schooler. You deserve it. ~Ashley ____________________ As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you a huge virtual hug and high-five for an amazing start to this school year. You're not alone, and you and your kid deserve all the good that life brings. Listen in now! p.s. This exact method is built into my digital course 'Middle School Success for Parents' - and the doors to this course are officially open!! This is DESIGNED for you, busy parents. On-the-go, easily accessible, customizable to YOU, with lifetime access so you can solve any challenge that comes your way! Click the link below to find out more - I'm honored to support you. https://www.elevatedadolescence.com/middle-school-success-parents

Parents have often come to me wanting me to teach their kid how to be organized, how to get good grades, or simply do what they need to do without breaking down or talking back. In other words - the executive functioning skills that demonstrate they are able to be the "boss" of their lives. But wanting to jump into these higher level skills first is what I call "the big executive function misconception" Listen in to learn: > the neuroscience behind what's really going on > how you could be blocking their inner "boss" > & what has to happen 100% of the time before they can be the boss of their life Here's to elevating each and every kid to be a confident, kind human. Keep uplifting yourself and your middle schooler. You deserve it. ~Ashley ____________________ As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you a huge virtual hug and high-five for an amazing start to this school year. You're not alone, and you and your kid deserve all the good that life brings. Listen in now! p.s. Be sure to listen in because I've got an exciting announcement! If you're close to overwhelm, pulling out your hair, or daily anxiety around parenting your middle schooler, it's time for a much-needed confidence boost, my friends! In just a few days, I'll be hosting a LIVE Masterclass: Middle School Confidence for Parents. And, it's going to be gooooood! Inside the class, you'll learn: >How to Stop Feeling Anxious as a Middle School Parent >The #1 Factor That Makes Success Inevitable >& My 4-part Proven Method to Get Your Middle Schooler (& Yourself) Feeling More Joyful, Confident, and Successful (I've used this with every parent and every kid I've worked with!) This method is the key for you to confidently navigate struggles at home, school, and with peers. And, the best part? It's free! All you have to do is register at: www.elevatedadolescence.com/masterclass2022

The #1 answer I get when I ask parents what they want for their kid: confidence. Why? Because deep down we all know confidence is the secret ingredient to face life's ups and downs, to be attractive to others (non-romantically speaking), and to take safe risks that move us forward. And, I'd argue there's no other stage of child development that tests a person's confidence than middle school. You can't force confidence. It's built over time through micro-moments, decisions, and experiences, and we all go through moments of not feeling our best (as I share). If you practice the strategies I share here even 50% of the time, I'd bet money your kids' confidence will soar. Here are some hints to pique your interest: >Tip #1 hint: it might sting and bruise your ego, but it's true >Tip #2 hint: everyone has a gift >& Tip #3 hint: it might be sloppy, but it's essential Here's to elevating each and every kid to be a confident, kind human. Keep uplifting yourself and your middle schooler. You deserve it. ~Ashley As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you a huge virtual hug and high-five for an amazing start to this school year. You're not alone, and you and your kid deserve all the good that life brings. Listen in now! p.s. Be sure to listen in because I've got an exciting announcement! If you're close to overwhelm, pulling out your hair, or daily anxiety around parenting your middle schooler, it's time for a much-needed confidence boost, my friends! In just a few weeks, I'll be hosting a LIVE Masterclass: Middle School Confidence for Parents. Inside the class, you'll learn: >How to Stop Feeling Anxious as a Middle School Parent >The #1 Factor That Makes Success Inevitable >& My 4-part Proven Method to Get Your Middle Schooler (& Yourself) Feeling More Joyful, Confident, and Successful (I've used this with every parent and every kid I've worked with!) This method is the key for you to confidently navigate struggles at home, school, and with peers. And, the best part? It's free! All you have to do is register at: www.elevatedadolescence.com/masterclass2022

Ah, yes, back-to-school is here! For some of you your kid might be transitioning into middle school for the first time, or back for another year. Each year is uniquely different, so no matter what it's an adjustment of expectations and your relationship, and as always, with lots of emotion! ;) For most of you, middle school parents, prepping for this huge transition by simply buying school supplies or organizing a new calendar can leave you with the feeling that you're missing something. That's because you are. That's why I'm so excited to share today's podcast (and kick-off to Season 2!), to give you 3 essentials you actually need to feel bolstered as a parent. These 3 unconventional essentials will: >Improve you and your middle schooler's resilience >Build trust between you >& Anchor you when your busy life starts taking over As I always say, there's no such thing as the 'perfect parent', but you and I both know that when you feel better you parent better. Week after week, I've got your back. Keep uplifting yourself and your middle schooler. You deserve it. ~AC As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you a huge virtual hug and high-five for an amazing start to this school year. You're not alone, and you and your kid deserve all the good that life brings. Listen in now! p.s. Be sure to listen in because I've got an exciting announcement! If you're close to overwhelm, pulling out your hair, or daily anxiety around parenting your middle schooler, it's time for a much-needed confidence boost, my friends! In just a few weeks, I'll be hosting a LIVE Masterclass: Middle School Confidence for Parents. And, inside the class, you'll learn: >How to Stop Feeling Anxious as a Middle School Parent >The #1 Factor That Makes Success Inevitable >& My 4-part Proven Method to Get Your Middle Schooler (& Yourself) Feeling More Joyful, Confident, and Successful (I've used this with every parent and every kid I've worked with!) This method is the key for you to confidently navigate struggles at home, school, and with peers. And, the best part? It's free! All you have to do is register at: www.elevatedadolescence.com/masterclass2022

No matter where you are listening from, chances are high you are nearing the end of the school year. And, oh, what a year it's been! Without a portal into your home, I know it's likely been layered with challenges you didn't see coming, complexity...because, well life is complex! And, some shiny moments. Covid continues, the 4th pandemic was real (the adolescent mental health crisis), and new connections were made. One thing that unites us all is how the end of a school year can bring up so much for you and your adolescent. Mixed emotions. Demands. Commitments. Responsibilities. "May is such a bananas busy month!", I keep saying on repeat. The anticipation of summer in all its gloriousness, and the stress and excitement of unstructured time during the summer months. I get it! These are real challenges to the end of the school year, and the summer months as an adolescent parent. In this episode, I share 3 essentials to end the school year strong and head into the summer with the open mind and excitement this season warrants. Listen in to learn: >The simplest, most powerful way to feel grounded when this time feels anything but grounding >The #1 rule to return to again and again during the months ahead >A simple action (with a free Summer Plan PDF) that leads to instant buy-in, and decreased stress for your whole family during the summer This is the last episode of Season 1 before we take a summer break! But, that doesn't mean you can't find me, or reach out. I'd love to hear from you! Simply contact: support@elevatedadolescence.com with any question or challenges you're facing as the parent of an adolescent, and I always try to address them in upcoming episodes or in my content. And, be on the lookout for a new Season in the coming months. As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you a huge virtual hug and high-five for an amazing end to this school year. You're not alone, and you and your kid deserve all the good that life brings. Listen in now!

As a busy mom, I know first hand what it's like to put my own physical needs on the back-burner. And, those collective decisions have led my body to break down in a number of ways. I know I'm not the only one! This is just one of the reasons I wanted to have today's guest on the podcast. Somatic Healer, K. Domiana, is a retired 2x pro athlete and best-selling author who helps moms and kids heal their bodies, and recover from or avoid burnout. As Domiana says, your body is your real home. You've got to take care of it and treat it with the care and reverence it deserves. It's a gift to absorb, practice, and pass on these simple tools for physical wellness to your family - especially to your adolescent as they go through so many physical changes right alongside yours. Listen to this conversation to learn: > what Domiana learned from playing pro-bball, and why short term memory loss can be a gift > simple somatic tools you can use the next time you're triggered or exhausted > & challenges Domiana wants you to try to get you into immediate action If you're craving relief, you're ready to avoid a breakdown, or you want to help your middle schooler build confidence in their own body, listen in now! Check out the free Wellness Guide we've created - which includes many of the tools mentioned in this episode, as well as a snapshot of what I include in digital course, Middle School Success For Parents. You can also download it here at: www.elevatedadolescence.com/wellnessguide If you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other parents like you can benefit. Listen in now!

If you're experiencing resistance, distraction, defiance, or wondering if your adolescent is just a little bit lazy, I believe my conversation with behavioral pediatrician, Dr. Nerissa Bauer, will help! Dr. Nerissa specializes in helping parents and kids understand their brains and behaviors through her course TEACH ME ADHD, her part-time practice, and as the host of the Let's Talk Kids Health LIVE show. She is also a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. Like Elevated Adolescence, her resources and courses are designed to educate and empower parents AND children no matter where they are on their journey together. Inside this episode we cover: > how to uncover what might be beneath your kid's surface behavior > how you can start to motivate your unmotivated adolescent > what's happening in adolescence that can trigger anxiety and depression > & how to release guilt and remain hopeful in the midst of these challenges Be sure to listen to all the way to the end, and check out the free downloadable PDF resource we've created for this episode, called: "Is it ADHD?" in the show notes. You can also download it here at: www.elevatedadolescence.com/isitadhd This episode is in honor of #mentalhealthawarenessmonth, as adolescent kids experience unprecedented amounts of anxiety and depression. As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other parents like you can benefit. Listen in now!

Life as an adolescent parent requires you to have a new set of tools to take care of yourself, because you will be triggered, you will get frustrated, and you will feel uncomfortable when so many things are out of your control. And, if you're like me, you may still believe you can "do it all". (It's laughable and deeply uncomfortable for me to admit I ever thought this was possible.) Listen in as I share why this approach to parenting and life will always: > leave you feeling like you're on an island > become a great source of frustration (without you maybe realizing it's happening) > lead to a breakdown from all sides The new toolkit I refer to includes resourcing yourself with support and help in many forms. Listen in as I share a personal story around this realization, and get the kick-start you need to make it happen. Trust me when I say it's the #1 thing a parent can do for themselves during this stage. As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other parents like you can benefit. Listen in now!

Let's face it, do you ever look back on your middle school years with complete love and adoration for your social world - Not likely! In fact, knowing your kid will go through social challenges is one of the most common sources of pain for middle school parents. In this week's episode I'll share: >the foundation beneath the early adolescent social world and why it's so important >what you can control at home and how this is directly related to what they experience with peers >& 3 essentials to practice to build confidence, trust, and belonging within them and between you These things will help them become discerning about who they want in their life, and who they don't. It will help them have perspective on when they feel like a friend helps their light burn brighter, or a friend who dims their light and makes them feel less-than. I hope this gives you the insights and perspective you need to be their guide. As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other parents like you can benefit. Listen in now!

Parents, you need some quick wins! So, I decided to give you exactly what you want. In this short episode, I reveal the most common strategy I use to support parents of middle schoolers by asking one simple question. By answering this question, you will: > Be able to shift your perspective and relationship to your middle schooler's latest behaviors or challenges > Gain clarity around where your middle schooler's challenge might really be coming from > Become more adept at noticing patterns before anyone else does Although this is a short episode, it is jam-packed with potential insights and opportunities to gain confidence, perspective, and grounding as a parent during these years. Listen in to learn more! As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other parents like you can benefit. Listen in now!

Let's dive into my tried and true Executive Function Formula I use with students and parents with great success, and the coolest thing - you can use this at home. This formula will highlight: >How to pinpoint and focus on the greatest challenge your kid faces >What you must identify and remove in order to make change >The mindset you must have as you work to guide your kid towards stronger executive functioning Here's the thing: I think many of the education and psychology models you'll find in traditional talk therapy offices or public schools are largely outdated. There is an inextricable link between our nervous system and our neurological, biological, and spiritual health as humans. When you're looking at the surface behavior of anything your middle school does, be it: yelling at you for seemingly no reason or can't keep track of anything or if they're super slow and always late what you're seeing is the surface behavior, and underneath that behavior there are several other factors, like a ladder of skills or lack-there-of, that add up to that behavior. As I share this formula - keep that in mind. What you see on the surface is not the whole picture. Head on over to elevatedadolescence.com/podcast to see our show notes and free resources with this episode. You aren't alone! Listen in to learn more >> PS. If you like this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe so other early adolescent parents can find this resource. It takes a village!

Gender identity and sexuality in adolescents is a topic that is coming up big time in homes around the world. People in some areas are scared of this conversation, and in others, the majority of LGBTQ adolescents are met with open hearts and minds. The belief that all girls are born with girl parts and must be attracted to boys, and vice versa is archaic. There has always been a range of gender and sexuality, but in 2022 these topics are on the surface and out in the open. I believe this is another example of how this generation of adolescents is waking us up. As I say in this discussion, I am not an expert, but I am an ally. My intention here is to start a surface-level education for all of us around gender and sexuality. Because here is what I know deep in my bones: when you remove all the external features, gender, status, personality, and sexuality - your kid is a being - equal to you and me. They deserve the love, respect, and safety that all beings deserve. Here's a snapshot of what we cover: > What gender and sexuality really mean > The #1 thing to do when / if your kid comes to you around these topics > A spectrum of terms to know and understand If you're uncomfortable - it's ok. For so many parents, this is very new information and you may have a lot of fear and questions. Simply listen in to learn and open your mind and heart, so we can show up and love our early adolescent kids exactly as they are. This is the greatest gift we can give them. People, places, things mentioned in this episode: > The Every Body Book: The LGBTQ+ Inclusive Guide for Kids about Sex, Gender, Bodies, and Families > Our Sex Safety 101 Guide: How to keep your kid safe from sexual content online > The Gender Unicorn (an illustration explaining gender and sexuality taken from the Trans Student Educational Resource) > Amy's upcoming book Spring of 2022: Sex Talk with Tweens: What to Say and How to Say It > Amy's books and solutions center Additional Sex Education Books & Resources

I know nothing motivates you more than keeping your kid safe and healthy. Yet, so often, caring parents bury their heads in the sand when it comes to educating their kids about sexual wellness, and the effects are devastating. The uncomfortable truth is that no matter how 'good' your kid is, studies show the average age of exposure to pornography is 10 years old. So, it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when. You have no choice but to be proactive. That's why this episode, with Sex Educator, Amy Lang, is so important. Listen in to learn: > How to talk to your kid about sex in ways that keep them smart and feeling secure > Exactly how to keep your kid safe from the damaging effects of pornography > The mindset you must adopt if you want them to have sexual wellness throughout their lives People, places, things mentioned in the episode: > A free guide I developed from this discussion: Sex Safety 101 > Startling statistics: 3% of pornographic sites require proof of age, and 25% do not include adult content warnings, 10-12% of teens believe they are addicted to pornography > Bark - internet and tech use monitoring > Amy's upcoming book Spring of 2022: Sex Talk with Tweens: What to Say and How to Say It > Amy's Books and Solutions center > Amy's Additional Sex Education Books & Resources The one way you can guarantee that your kid will open up to you about important topics like sex is to continue to have a strong relationship through adolescence. But it can sometimes feel overwhelming knowing where to start. I hope you use the tools inside this episode and do what you can to educate yourself and your kid on what it means to be sexually healthy. They deserve this gift, and you deserve this kind of peace of mind. Remember, there are millions of adolescent parents in the world who are struggling. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, subscribe and share so other families like yours can benefit. Listen in now! __________________________ PS. Starting next week registration opens for my free live Masterclass: "3 Common Mistakes Even the Best Parents Make: How to avoid them, and simple tools to feel instant relief as a middle school parent" Make sure to sign up for my email list, and keep an eye on your inbox because I will be announcing registration for this free Masterclass early next week. Not on the emailing list? Join the community today by downloading any one of my resources - starting with the Sex Safety 101 guide linked here!

You know how your early adolescent can be super dramatic? resistant? or rebel more often than not? (Um...yes!) Well, these behaviors frequently happen for a reason beneath the surface you may not be aware of... Anxiety. And, chances are likely it's happening in your home these days. Listen in to discover my simple 3 step process you can use to help them decode their anxiety so you can: > make sense of their seemingly unpredictable behavior > boost instant connection between you > & give them a sense of control (and you much-needed relief) ~Listen in now~ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, subscribe and share so other families like yours can benefit!

I've been listening, and the echoing sentiment of early adolescent parents and kids is: we're struggling. This is such an intense time. Whether you or your kid are facing anxiety, health issues, depression, chronic stress, overwhelm, or general discomfort, I believe today's episode is going to help you. To help bolster your sense of confidence and ability to thrive through this challenging time, I'm going to share one of the tools within EA's digital course: Middle School Success for Parents, which gives parents the mindsets, skills, and systems needed so everyone in the family can thrive through the ups and downs of middle school. If you're looking to de-stress, clear the overwhelm, or solve a challenge, this episode gives you a simple system to coach yourself and your middle schooler. Inside, you'll learn: > Why information alone won't get you where you want to go >The loop that keeps you trapped and how to get out > & How your own mind could be sabotaging the peace you're both craving, and what to do ~Listen in now~ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, subscribe and share so other families like yours can benefit!

Learning to accept, support, and belong to ourselves first can seem like a never-ending battle for adults, and the pressure our adolescent kids are facing around these topics feels even greater. But I believe this kind of support and care of our own selves is one of the answers to creating more peace inside our lives and the world. I think we can all agree this is what is desperately needed right now. Today's guest, Author, Activist, and Dove Self-Esteem Project Educator, Rosie Molinary, and I dive into these topics and so much more. Take a look at today's talking points [9:10] Rosie's "lightbulb moment" Looking back with perspective and kindness [11:00] The consequences of looking outside yourself for validation Roller coaster ride of other people's perceptions Putting people into boxes [20:30] How purpose leads to healing Having a healthy relationship with yourself helps you be in touch with your purpose and that's what the world needs [23:11] Our kids don't need us to be perfect in order to be good role models Have honest, unpolished conversations with your kids Be aware of what you say about yourself in front of your children [29:40] Gently setting boundaries around non-negotiable "you time" Rosie's advice on how to come back to yourself Knowing what your signs of burnout and overwhelm are and what to do about it Creating an intervention tool kit for you and your middle schooler [41:50] The impact of gender expression on body image Beliefs about ourselves lead to certain behaviors that show up for girls AND boys The fundamental desire to belong isn't gender binary Parents, if you or your adolescent have ever struggled to accept yourself, your body, or to prioritize your own needs first - this is for YOU. ~Listen in now to repair your breakdown and replenish yourselves~ People, places, and things mentioned in the episode: Beautiful You: A Daily Guide to Radical Self-Acceptance by Rosie Molinary Check out more of what Rosie is up to on her website 2 Free Giveaways: #1: a personalized pep talk for you or your adolescent, #2: YOU BELONG poster you can easily print for you or your kid's personal space PS. So many adolescent kids and parents are struggling right now. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, subscribe and share so other families can easily find this content and benefit. Thank you!

I know you are looking for some relief these days, which is why I'm so excited to share these 3 simple tools that are guaranteed to lead to immediate parenting wins. Listen in to discover... 1. A simple experiment you can do that will result in feeling less triggered and more present 2. The counterintuitive response to your kids' snarky comments or emotional breakdowns that boost the likelihood they'll be more open to you and your feedback & 3. A super simple, 3-minute practice to boost their time-management skills Remember, there are millions of adolescent parents in the world who are struggling. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, subscribe and share so other families like yours can benefit. Listen in now!

Always remember, in the midst of the challenges the purpose of this stage of development for both parents and adolescents is to grow. And, according to my guest, adolescent clinical therapist, and parent coach, Robin Goldstein-Lincoln, there are so many reasons to have hope in the midst of these challenges. Robin is a renowned therapist who has worked in this field for more than 25 years, and she has some encouraging lessons to share at a time when all parents and adolescents need to hear them. Listen in to find out: * An analogy that will instantly help you respond with patience when your adolescent is in the midst of an emotional explosion * Her 25-year perspective on why we're making huge strides as a society * Simple, tangible, and highly-effective tools she uses in private practice that you can easily use at home ~Listen in now~ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, subscribe and share so other families like yours can benefit!

No amount of chocolates or roses from CVS will fill us up and make us truly feel loved. Amiright, parents?! During this month that's focused so heavily on romantic love, we must guide ourselves and our early adolescents to focus on appreciating our own selves. Self-compassion is the root of feeling truly loved for who we are, and this is what we ultimately want for our kids during this stage. That's why I wanted to record this week's podcast. In this episode, Riley and I discuss: Why boundaries are the ultimate expression of self-love Untangling what our own moms showed us about loving ourselves How we practice self-love without it feeling cheesy I hope this lifts you up, and in turn, your kid feels the love. You both deserve it! PS. Please listen, like, subscribe, and share this podcast through Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other parents like you can benefit.

Parents, push play on this one with your middle schooler nearby as these incredible 8th graders share priceless wisdom around: *Navigating toxic friendships *A personal journey from socially awkward to confident self-advocate *Varying degrees of bullying and how to deal, & more! You and I both know adolescents are heavily influenced by peers, and an adult's voice can become the Charlie Brown background of their life "Blah, blah, blah" That's why I wanted to feature wisdom from their peers. Make sure to listen to the end, as they share a pep talk for incoming 6th graders! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, subscribe and share so other families like yours can benefit!

I may be an expert, but it's a whole different ballgame to parent your own early adolescent kiddo in real-time. I get hands-on learning from my own daughter every single day which humbles me, which is why I need constant connection and wisdom from my friends. Listen in to "Moms Roundtable: Guiding our 5th graders through aaaaallll the changes" as I talk to some fellow 5th-grade mama's and dear friends around ways we help our 5th-grade girls thrive through change by: Preserving our inner "Chippa" Keeping certain doors open Prioritizing this one, priceless skill & Becoming meme collectors I wanted to push record on one of our conversations because we each have a professional career and personal insights that always leave me feeling both uplifted and grounded. As expected, there are many priceless gems inside this episode. I hope when you listen you feel the same! As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other parents like you can benefit. Listen in now!

Oh, the irony in this episode is thick as it's a week behind schedule and I'm a big-time recovering perfectionist. But the truth is that perfectionism in life, work, AND parenting is doing way more harm in your life than good. If you find yourself caught in the coulda, shoulda, woulda's as a parent - I'm going to shoot straight with you: this way of being is limiting you and those you love. Plain and simple. Join me and listen in to this week's episode of Real Talk, where you get a glimpse of my coaching style in addressing what I see as common themes amongst adolescent parents these days. I've got your back. Ps. If you like this episode - please rate, review, and subscribe so more parents and educators like you can find this podcast.

Every new year I ask myself, my students, and parents I work with the same thing: What's your theme, intention, or word for the year? This theme serves as a North Star and may challenge you to do what's for your highest good, but if it stresses you out or weighs you down ditch it for something that lights you up. This year, my theme is PURPOSE. This is why I'm so excited to bring you the first EA podcast episode of 2022: "New Year, New Purpose (with Riley McCord)" Riley is my right-hand woman at EA, she's brilliant and wise beyond her years, and she's freshly emerged from adolescence herself so she has some great wisdom to share with your middle schoolers, too. In this episode, we break down: What purpose really means to each of us How to help cultivate more purpose in you and your middle schooler's life And, why it's ok to feel blah or indecisive right now. In fact, this serves a deep purpose! If you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other parents like you can benefit! Listen in now!

This year has given us countless opportunities to be challenged. (An understatement, I know!) I truly believe these challenges are stretching us towards our best selves as educators, parents, and people if we take the time to reflect on what we've learned. When you're in the thick of it, it can be a challenge to see the purpose or the light at the end of the tunnel. As a tribute to all of YOU, I produced this episode to serve as a reminder of how far you've come, and to remind you of where you're going - to a present and future filled with more peace and meaning for yourself and your adolescent than you ever thought possible. Listen in now.

Ah, yes, self-care. The term that started as perhaps a well-intentioned motivator to take care of yourself, but that can sometimes end in a shame spiral that you're not doing enough. And, it holds a whole different meaning for your early adolescent! When you or your early adolescent find yourself running ragged, stressed, or snappy it's no time for shame. It's simply time to take care of yourselves. In today's podcast, I invite you and your early adolescent to listen in as I'll share 3 simple self-care requirements and break down examples I suggest for both of you that have BIG payoff. Listen in and discover the true meaning of self-care. And, never forget: you're worth it.

Your early adolescent is now developing their own inner world filled with existential questions, temptations, and input from all sides, and you want to do what is essential to keep the doors of conversation open between you. But, sometimes they shut you out or shut you down. You might be left wondering how to approach a conversation that needs to be had without walking on eggshells. In today's podcast, I'll be sharing the top 3 essentials to bring with you to any conversation - especially the tricky ones when you want them to open up to you. Without these essentials, there will be a lot of gaps that can be filled with misinterpretations, judgments, reactions, or defensiveness. These essentials communicate your ultimate goals: #1: you care, #2: you're there to support them, and #3: you see and hear them for exactly who they are. I've created a free PDF guide with these essentials, as well as simple prompts to get you thinking about what will work for you during your next conversation. Visit elevatedadolescence.com/podcast!

Here we are! The holidays. Uncle Tom wants to talk politics during the holiday dinner. Your middle schooler is experiencing end-of-semester breakdowns. And, your to-do list never ends. From holiday shopping, to work, to bills, and cooking family meals - you've got a lot on your plate this time of year. And, underneath it all, you and your middle schooler might be feeling stressed and anxious. Well, I've got the antidote for you! Since you're inundated with gratitude-speak this week, I'll keep this podcast episode simple and actionable. First, I'll share the science of how gratitude affects the very real anxiety you and your early adolescent might be feeling. And, second, I'll share simple ways you can cultivate a gratitude practice in your life. Think: the middle of t-giving dinner and Uncle Tom starts spouting off his political views...and you have tools to turn to in that moment! As usual, be sure to head on over to www.elevatedadolescence.com/blog for even more ideas. If you're ready to cultivate more peace in you and your middle schooler's life, listen in now.

Today I'm talking about your greatest resource in life. Something more precious than money or things. Something that you can never get back. Four letters - long I and magic e. That's right: TIME. So, how do you guide your early adolescent kid to become more aware of this precious resource, and to maximize productivity during after-school hours? This short block of time is often all they have to tackle schoolwork, fit in extra-curricular activities, and socialize, but they might lack the awareness, motivation, and skills to do what needs to be done. In today's podcast I'll cover: Key aspects of your role in guiding them to become more productive 3 key steps to take before diving into doing any "work" The essential end-of-week routine I recommend you use in order to confidently head into each week By beginning with a time experiment, uncovering patterns and roadblocks, and guiding them to develop an end-of-week routine, you're assisting them in building the skill of becoming more productive, which includes essential skills necessary to feeling truly successful, and to making their dreams a reality. Be sure to head on over to elevatedadolescence.com and download "Time Experiment", a free PDF in the show notes of this episode I created to guide you through this process!

"I loved middle school!" "Adolescence was a breeze." "I felt so confident throughout junior high." said hardly anyone in the history of ever. Chances are likely your middle school or junior high years were either something you just 'got through', or a stage you would never want to relive. You've made it to the other side, so why would you want to go back to the drama, the pimples, and the awkwardness? And, yet here you are having to witness your own child go through these years. Only now you're telling yourself this common lie: "I'm so scared for my kid to go through middle school." This lie is rooted in something much deeper, and by repeating it you're actually blocking yourself from greater awareness, confidence, and effective action. Listen in to discover what you're really afraid of, and how to make the shifts necessary for greater confidence and connection for both of you.

Parents, you're busy. And, you want to have access to simple, effective tools to remember in real-time with your middle schooler so that you boost your connection and confidence. Today's podcast is for you. Neuroscientist Dr. Jaak Panksepp developed his theory around the most important 9 minutes of a child's day in order to optimize and nourish our kiddo's well-being. I've intertwined his theory with the RELATE method, so your conscious efforts to prioritize these 9 minutes creates big payoff for both of you. If you're ready to jump off the hamster wheel of wondering if what you're doing is enough or feeling disconnected from your middle schooler, listen in now.

You pour your heart and soul into a vision, and you're ready to execute, but you encounter obstacle after obstacle. Your middle schooler tries their best, but they don't get what they'd planned on. These experiences happen to every human on the planet. We've all been conditioned to focus so much on the doing of life, and our identities are so caught up in our to-do list, it can feel deflating for you and your middle schooler when things don't go according to plan. In this episode, I share a simple story about how focusing on your own being with acceptance and patience for what comes up leads to greater success in your doing. If I could suggest two words of action for you and your middle schooler as we head into the holidays it would be this: simplify and acceptance. Simplify where you can, and accept what is. Practice releasing the expectation that either of you need to be or feel anything else. Your well-being isn't connected to a to-do list. Listen in now to understand the connection between simply being and getting the burst of insight or energy you both need to move forward.

Well-intentioned experts (myself included) are coming out with information and research on the effects of trauma and its impact on our lives. There's a collective awareness brewing that we've all been traumatized a little...and so many parents are becoming afraid of traumatizing their own kids. Maybe you're letting go of the idea of the perfect appearance, a Pinterest birthday party, or the perfect family (good for you!). But if you're still worried that with every argument, angry outburst, or less-than-perfect reaction you're F-ing-up your kid, this podcast is for you. As I tell all students and parents I work with: there are no bad emotions - it's what you do with them that matters. If you're reading this you're an imperfect human being, and expecting yourself to not have a full range of emotions is expecting the impossible. Are you getting better at showing up for your middle schooler? But you're forgetting to have patience with your own imperfect self? Perfect parenting is for the birds. Listen in to learn what you both really need!

I believe it's time to take a stand to the technology use in your middle schooler's life. After Facebook whistleblower, Frances Haugen's testimony this week, and until the government imposes stricter laws and regulations of social media giants, it's clear parents of adolescents everywhere must become proactive in education and regulation in our own homes. They know our kids are more anxious and depressed, and they are more concerned with their bottom line. Adolescent kids feel worse about themselves and their lives, but they still can't stop using it. What's happening with social media and smartphone use today is likened to what happened with the tobacco industry and cigarette use. It was largely unregulated and marketed to adolescents with devastating effects. I know you want to protect your middle schooler, so don't miss this week's episode. Inside this episode, I share 5 actions I recommend you take immediately. I recommend you become proactive in your approach around this. It's clear from Frances's testimony an "everybody else is doing it" and a "wait and see" approach is doing them harm and it's time to focus on what you can control and take action now.