The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast
💜☂️ The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast™ is a chart-topping parenting and education podcast hosted by Suzanne M. Swain, EdS, LMSW—a former middle school teacher, school librarian, administrator, professor of education, therapist, and educational sociologist with more than 20 years of experience working with tweens, teens, families, and schools.
Designed especially for parents, educators, and caregivers of children ages 10–15, each episode combines brain science, emotional regulation strategies, practical parenting tools, school culture insight, and real-world support for navigating the middle school years.
Topics include anxiety, autism, ADHD, executive functioning, emotional regulation, friendship challenges, screen time, social media, resilience, neurodiversity, school success, family communication, and adolescent development.
Known for its warm, research-based approach and Neurodivergent-Friendly design, the podcast helps families move beyond shame, punishment, and panic toward connection, understanding, and emotional growth.
Whether you’re raising a middle schooler, teaching one, 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.
Learn more at msmarypoppins.com
Special thanks to Janine Stella at http://www.StellaMix.com for Producing MSMP. 💜☂️
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
