The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast

Middle School Emotional Safety: Time After Time

The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast

Show Notes

Ever wonder why your child completely melts down the second they walk through the door after school?

In this episode, veteran middle school teacher and child therapist Suzanne M. Swain, EdS LMSW breaks down what’s really going on in neurodivergent brains—and why it’s not defiance, manipulation, or “bad behavior.”

It’s exhaustion.Suzanne connects the dots between ADHD, autism, sensory overload, food struggles, anxiety, and emotional regulation, all while explaining why routines feel calming (not rigid), why the safest parent often gets the biggest emotional release, and how the senses—especially smell and taste—play a powerful role in comfort and memory.

With relatable stories, brain science you don’t need a degree to understand, and plenty of “ohhh… that makes sense” moments, this episode helps parents reframe meltdowns, reduce stress, and build more calm, predictable days at home.If you’re parenting a neurodivergent child—or suspect you might be neurodivergent yourself—this one’s for you.

Contact Suzanne Swain: Email: [email protected]: msmarypoppins.com

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

Oct 20, 2026

Why can a middle schooler be wide awake late at night and nearly impossible to wake up in the morning?

Oct 16, 2026

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.

Oct 13, 2026

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.

Oct 5, 2026

MSMP Family Game Week begins with seven verbal brain games designed for middle schoolers, parents, teachers, and anyone else who wants to play along.

Sep 15, 2026

What happens when someone seems to value your talent, creativity, or helpfulness more than they value you?

See all episodes →