Middle School Mary Poppins

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: [email protected]: Suzanne SwainProduced By: StellaMix Podcast ProductionSend Suzanne a Question or Comment:Support the show

Sharing a little bit of holiday cheer with you by creating a poem about life in middle school during the holiday season. Hope you enjoy it and happy holidays andMerry Christmas to you all.Send Suzanne a Question or Comment:Support the show

A little poem to you, the listeners, as a special gift for this holiday season. Thank you so much for listening to the podcast and I hope that you’ll continue to share and participate in 2026!www.msmarypoppins.comSend Suzanne a Question or Comment:Support the show

In this uplifting and insight-packed episode, Suzanne M. Swain—educational specialist, licensed master social worker, and longtime kid-therapist—dives into a concept she believes all children and adults desperately need: Ridiculous Joy.Drawing wisdom from Harry Potter, Inside Out, Mary Poppins, and even a little Stranger Things, Suzanne breaks down how fear, anxiety, anger, and joy actually work inside our brains—and why embracing silliness can help kids (and the grown-ups who love them) lower anxiety, communicate better, and build long-term, joy-filled memories.Suzanne explains how “ridiculous joy” transforms fear into laughter, turns hard lessons into growth moments, and helps families create emotional safety and connection. From bubble parties and glow-dance classrooms to cooking adventures, creative play, and tiny daily challenges for teachers, she offers real-world strategies anyone can use to bring more joy into their home or classroom.Whether you're a parent, educator, or just someone trying to understand the young people in your life, this episode brings compassion, humor, neuroscience, and heart into one powerful message: Joy is essential—and sometimes it needs to be absolutely ridiculous.Stay clever, little foxes, and get ready to bring a bright burst of ridiculous joy into your day.Contact Suzanne Swain:Email: [email protected]: Suzanne SwainProduced By: StellaMix Podcast ProductionSend Suzanne a Question or Comment:Support the show

Hey y’all & happy Thanksgiving, everyone! As we all know, this can be a stressful time of year for some individuals who may be struggling. I wanted to take a moment today to give you a list of some conversation, starters and questions that you could bring up at the dinner table that would help to encourage conversations to get to know the kids and each a lot better.Hope you enjoy the episode and all the best for a blessed Thanksgiving.- SuzFYI: If you are in need of mental health services, please immediately contact the following contacts below:#988SAMHSA Helpine:1800 662 HELPFindsupport.govShow Website:www.msmarypoppins.comSend Suzanne a Question or Comment:Support the show