And Then They Stopped Talking to Me: Challenges (and Opportunities) of Middle School

Many of us cringe when we think about our early adolescence and the emotional ups and downs of middle school or junior high, as it used to be called. We may recall being teased or bullied or inexplicably dropped by someone we thought was our best friend forever. Or perhaps we recall insensitive or downright cruel things we said or did to others. (Did you ever write nasty comments in a “slam book”? Or get tearful when you saw what someone wrote about you?)   To what extent is the social world of middle school still the same for today’s young people? And how might our own memories inadvertently shape our children’s experiences, for better or worse? Bestselling author Judith Warner has a fascinating new book on this complex topic, And Then They Stopped Talking to Me: Making Sense of Middle School, and joins Marti & Erin for a rich and personal discussion of those ever-timely issues!   WHAT COMES UP WHEN YOU THINK OF MIDDLE SCHOOL? What are some of your strongest memories of your middle school (or junior high) experience? How did those experiences shape your confidence, determination and emotional well-being, both positively and negatively? What did you learn from those experiences and what do they lead you to say and do to support your children in navigating that time of opportunity and challenge in their own lives?   WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SUPPORTING YOUR MIDDLE-SCHOOLER? ❉ THE POWER OF THE TEENAGE BRAIN: AN INTERVIEW WITH PSYCHIATRY PROFESSOR AND AUTHOR, DR. DAN SIEGEL In this conversation with Marti & Erin, Dr. Siegel debunks common myths of adolescence, illuminates exciting changes in the teenage brain and offers practical tips for parents and teens.   ❉ CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES: WHAT BRAIN DEVELOPMENT SCIENCE TELLS US ABOUT HELPING ADOLESCENTS THRIVE, Dr. Laurence Steinberg, a well-known author, has spent decades studying adolescents and has arrived at a much more positive view of what he terms The Age of Opportunity (the title of his latest book). He joins Marti & Erin for a rich and hopeful discussion of how recent research on adolescent brain development can inform the ways we guide our teens to a healthy, happy, productive adulthood.   Mom Enough® is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, which means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your purchase helps Mom Enough continue to offer evidence-based information at no cost to our listeners.

Om Podcasten

Dr. Marti Erickson, developmental psychologist and her daughter Dr. Erin Erickson, women’s health nurse practitioner and specialist in maternal-child health, are co-hosts of Mom Enough®. They explore the many facets of motherhood in today’s world – from confronting the daily joys and struggles of helping kids grow up well, to balancing work and family, to considering the big questions of how society views and values mothers and mothering. Marti & Erin use research-based information and a few personal confessions as they and their guests discuss what it means to be "mom enough." As moms, most of us worry at times about whether we're doing things right, second-guessing our parenting approach and blaming ourselves if our children stray or fall short. We worry that we might not be "mom enough". But what does it really mean to be "mom enough"? And is it possible to be "mom too much," to the extent that our kids might not have a chance to build their own skills to navigate life's ups and downs? A new, free audio show is posted every Monday with expert guests who address topics related to children’s heath, development and learning. Listen to Mom Enough at www.MomEnough.com. Informational sheets on parenting, health & wellness, child development and safety are available under Resources on our web site.