If you're just discovering this podcast, you're finding me at an interesting time. I started Elevated Adolescence pre-pandemic 4 years ago, and I've focused on supporting middle schoolers and parents thrive through these years - in more ways than one. It's been an honor to support all of you! Listen in to find out why I'm evolving this podcast, what this means for you, parents, and your tween/teen, and where you can find me. ____________________ P.S. Three things: #1: If you aren't on my email list you'll want to be. It's where I share more personal stories and wisdom to guide you through ..read more

So, I had something else planned entirely for today's episode, but the mood strikes to talk about something else. The current trending, but archaic trend of the invisible load moms are carrying. I feel it deeply. The way we've been conditioned to hold the space. Check in on others around us. The unequal distribution of labor. If you're ready for a pep talk, and a reminder that the invisible load you're carrying for your tween and teen matters, listen in now. I'm right there with you, Ashley ____________________ P.S. Two things: #1: If you aren't on my email list you need to be. It's where ..read more

I've been patiently waiting to use this nod to Taylor Swift. Genius, I tell ya. You know how parenting your adolescent brings up your worst fears? Your insecurities? 'Am I equipped to handle this' thoughts? You're not alone. This is very common; it happens to all of us. And, it's often rooted in your own adolescent story that's gone unprocessed. In this week's episode, I guide you through 10 questions to get you thinking and making sense of your own story. This is important because... you want your adolescent to live their own life, not a projection of the life you didn't have you want your a ..read more

Four words I want you to always remember when it comes to parenting your tween and teen: All Behavior is Communication. But what is their behavior communicating?  More often than not, what you think is intentional moodiness, disrespect, or laziness is actually something very different. That's why I'm excited to bring you this week's podcast episode. "Is their behavior a can't or a won't?" Listen in to learn:  > what stress has to do with their behavior > a simple framework for you to follow that allows you to detect the cause of their behavior with greater ease > why this wo ..read more

Do you ever feel like you're repeating yourself, living out the same stressful routines over and over again with your middle schooler? Well, these routines are just the culmination of several habits put together.  If you're ready, listen in to learn:   > the science of habit formation (this is super fun and fascinating to learn, in my opinion)  > how to integrate what the science says of habit formation with the psychology of behavioral change. In other words, how to communicate with your middle schooler around habits so they actually listen to you, make it their own ..read more

Welcome!  I had something else planned for this week's podcast, but decided to turn a recent challenge of mine into an episode instead.  Listen in to get an inside look into: *my recent breakdown *what's really at the root *and, how you can use this to make you and your adolescent's life better This episode has me repeating, "Just because it's uncomfortable, doesn't mean it's bad."  I'm always rooting you on ~ AC ____________________ P.S. Two things: #1: If you aren't on my email list you need to be. It's where I share personal stories, and the most insights and tips for elevati ..read more

In the spirit of bringing some light to your day, and as a way to show you part of the 'real' me, I spontaneously hit 'record' as my daughter, Norah, and I were sitting together. I've wanted to do this for so long!  So, here's a glimpse into a piece of our dynamic, my biggest 'why' for why I do this work, and some drops of wisdom from my favorite 11-year old.   Inside this episode you'll hear: what Norah thinks we're doing right as parents, and where we could grow (I think she could've gone even deeper, but this was our first recording, so I'll give her time;) her wisdom around what ..read more

Consider your time and attention invested in these years like early intervention for all the awareness, skills, and tools you want your kid to build throughout life. Inside this episode, you will learn: What I mean when I say 'middle school' Why this is the optimal time to model and help your kid build social-emotional and executive function skills And, a personal story of how I connected these dots If you're wondering why I focus on these years and why I encourage you to do the same, listen in now. ____________________ As always, if you like this episode, thank you for giving it a 5-star ra ..read more

There's no better way to make you and your adolescent's 2023 dreams come true than to make de-stressing a part of your daily practice. The impacts for both of you and your bodies and brains are profound.  Inside this episode, you will learn: About the stress-mind-body connection What stress does to the brain (and the impacts on your middle schooler's developing brain) And, Essential stress reduction strategies to practice so when stress builds during this next term of the school year, you have simple practices in place. As you listen to this episode, I invite you to be aware of your own ..read more

From how to support your anxious middle schooler, to how to keep your kid safe from sexual content online, you guys listened in and casted your vote on your favorite episodes from 2022.  Come celebrate a full calendar year of The Elevated Adolescence podcast with me, and leave feeling refreshed and resourced as a middle school parent. I say it all the time, but it's true: parenting the most important job on the planet, and parenting a middle schooler (well) is not for the faint of heart. The sheer fact that you're listening to this now demonstrates your willingness to show up, learn, and ..read more