The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast
💜 The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast™
Parenting a middle schooler doesn’t come with a manual—but this podcast comes pretty close.
The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast™ helps parents, educators, counselors, and caregivers better understand tweens and young teens during one of the most important—and misunderstood—stages of childhood.
Hosted by Suzanne M. Swain, EdS, LMSW—educator, therapist, former middle school teacher, school librarian, administrator, professor, and educational sociologist—each episode blends brain science, practical parenting strategies, emotional regulation, executive functioning support, and a little ridiculous joy to help families thrive.
Topics include anxiety, ADHD, autism, executive functioning, emotional regulation, friendships, bullying, motivation, screen time, school success, neurodiversity, family communication, and adolescent development.
Downloaded more than 675,000 times in 126 countries, with 6,100+ five-star Spotify ratings and multiple #1 Apple Podcasts rankings in Kids & Family and Parenting, the podcast has become a trusted resource for families and educators around the world.
Whether you’re raising a middle schooler, teaching one, counseling families, or simply trying to better understand the adolescent brain, you’ll find practical strategies, encouragement, and a little ridiculous joy along the way.
💜 Stop. Regulate. Listen.
🎙️ Listen wherever you get your podcasts—and now you can watch the conversation on YouTube! Subscribe for full episodes, video shorts, parenting tips, and exclusive content.
🌐 Learn more: https://msmarypoppins.com
▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@middleschoolmarypoppinspodcast?si=Nn12Fq5dMpaoallA
Produced and edited by the incredibly talented Janine Stella of StellaMix.com, whose creativity helps bring every episode to life.
The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast
S2 EP 13 - Holiday Joy & Eustress: Run Run Rudolph
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Happy holidays from Middle School Mary Poppins! In this heart-centered episode, Suzanne M. Swain, EdS, LMSW—your friendly neighborhood kid therapist—dives into a powerful holiday homophone: presents vs. presence. One is wrapped. The other is felt.
Suzanne explores why time, attention, and shared experiences often mean more to kids than expensive gifts—and how families can use the holiday season to build gratitude, empathy, and real connection. From low-cost, high-impact traditions (like handmade gifts, wishing stars, love-heart ornaments, and family service projects) to practical ways kids can give back, learn life skills, and feel genuinely valued, this episode is packed with meaningful ideas you can actually use.
You’ll also hear personal updates, including a shout-out from Lieutenant Steve and Suzanne’s very real (and very cool) journey into cyborg territory with a robot-assisted, 3D-printed knee replacement—happening the day this episode drops.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by holiday pressure, this episode is your reminder that kids want presence over presents—and that the simplest moments often become the most lasting memories.
Contact Suzanne Swain:
Email: suzanneswain@gmail.com
Facebook: Suzanne Swain
Produced By: StellaMix Podcast Production
