Show Notes
Screens: the ultimate villain… or your kid’s emotional support sidekick? In this playful (and eye-opening) episode, Suzanne dives into the nightly showdown every parent knows too well—the “put the phone down” battle—and flips the script in a way you probably didn’t see coming.
What looks like defiance might actually be overwhelm. What feels like obsession might be regulation.
From dopamine hits and digital comparison to cyberbullying and late-night scrolling, we unpack what’s really going on behind the screen—and why simply taking the phone away might be missing the bigger picture.With relatable stories, a dash of humor (shoutout to Lieutenant Steve 🐾), and practical strategies you can actually use, this episode helps parents, educators, and caregivers move from power struggles to real connection.
Because the goal isn’t to win the screen time war—it’s to understand the kid on the other side of it.Tune in for a fresh perspective, a few “aha” moments, and maybe even a little peace at bedtime.
————-PRO BONO: Currently, MSMP does not profitize nor monetize as an effort to avoid bias & to help build trust with new listeners. (Too many commercials ruin messaging.) Trust is everything & worth earning first.
MSMP will only support rigorously vetted advertisers that commit to bettering the lives & mental health of kids and their families - no fluff. Your time is valuable.
——————————-Contact Suzanne M. Swain EdS LMSW: [email protected] Website: msmarypoppins.com
Suzanne a Question or Comment:Support the show
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-middle-school-mary-poppins-podcast--7467210/support.
☂️ CONNECT WITH THE MIDDLE SCHOOL MARY POPPINS PODCAST™ Website • Episodes • Resources • More https://msmarypoppins.com
🎧 Listen and follow The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast™ wherever you get your podcasts.
📺 YouTube https://youtube.com/@middleschoolmarypoppinspodcast
💌 CONTACT Media • Speaking • Sponsorships • Advertising • Brand Partnerships [email protected]
Listener correspondence & messages for Lieutenant Steve 🐾 [email protected]
The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast™ is independently produced. Partnerships are considered based on mission alignment, relevance, and appropriateness for young people, families, educators, and schools.
Stop. Regulate. Listen. ☂️
Helping adults understand the kids in the middle. © The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast™
More from The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast
Why can a middle schooler be wide awake late at night and nearly impossible to wake up in the morning?
A quiet bedtime prayer and audio hug for the children, families, educator, and community of Bend, Oregon. Tonight, we simply hold them close in our hearts and send love, comfort, and kindness.
2 Life Truths and a Lie: Busting Cognitive Distortions - Critical Thinking Brain Training Pt. 2What if your brain is telling you a story that feels completely true… but isn’t?In Season 4, Episode 4 of The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast, we continue our Critical Thinking Brain Training series with a game of Two Life Truths and a Lie.
MSMP Family Game Week begins with seven verbal brain games designed for middle schoolers, parents, teachers, and anyone else who wants to play along.
What happens when someone seems to value your talent, creativity, or helpfulness more than they value you?