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 genuin...

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.

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A quick 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!

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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 lesso...

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.- Suz

FYI: If you are in need of mental health services, please immediately contact th...

In this thoughtful and essential episode of Middle School Mary Poppins, Suzanne M. Swain, EDS, LMSW—Education Master & Specialist as well as working school-based Child Therapist introduces a new concept she believes every family, teacher, and community needs right now: Elementary Empathy-Based Learning (EEBL).

Suzanne dives into why today’s youngest learners—especially those who experienced early childhood during the pandemic—need intentional support in developing empathy, emotional awareness, and social connection. Through relatable stories, pop-culture references like Inside Out, and decades of school counseling experience, she shares how empathy builds safety, strengthens families, and helps ki...

 In this episode, child therapist and master teacher Suzanne M. Swain, EDS LMSW, dives into a topic that makes many of us squirm—money management for neurodivergent kids. Whether your child has ADHD, autism, or another form of neurodiversity, Suzanne shares practical ways to help them build a healthy relationship with money, understand value, and learn how effort connects to reward. From creating chore charts and setting short- and long-term financial goals to exploring kid-friendly debit cards, Suzanne walks parents and educators through empowering strategies that teach independence, responsibility, and confidence around money. She also touches on Masl...

In this heartfelt and necessary episode, Suzanne dives into the topic of masculinity and emotional safety, exploring how adolescent boys communicate, why they struggle to open up, and how we can help them feel seen and supported. With warmth and humor, she shares classroom stories, insights on nonverbal communication, and practical ways to nurture emotional intelligence in young men.

If you’ve ever wondered how to help the boys in your life express themselves and feel safe doing it, this episode offers a compassionate, eye-opening perspective.

Contact Suzanne Swain:
Email: su...

What do Abraham Lincoln, a dead bird, and the local Fire Department have in common? Believe it or not—Suzanne’s teaching career. 

In this episode, kid therapist and master teacher Suzanne M. Swain spills her epic teaching fails—the kind of stories you can only laugh at in hindsight. From leading a group of 10-year-olds astray in the U.S. Capitol, to accidentally becoming part of the Ford’s Theater tour (yes, involving projectile vomiting in the most historically inappropriate place), to clocking herself out cold during state testing and triggering a full-on firefighter rescue—Suzanne proves teac...

Welcome back to the chaos and charm of back-to-school season! In this episode, therapist and former middle school teacher Suzanne M. Swain (EDS, LMSW) dives into one of her most requested topics—ADHD. Suzanne flips the script on the usual narrative, showing why ADHD isn’t a deficit but a secret superpower packed with bravery, creativity, and genius.

From hilarious back-to-school night stories to clever tips on organization and coping strategies, she shares how students (and adults) with ADHD can thrive. You’ll also hear about the three types of ADHD she encounters in her practice, her concep...

In this jam-packed, joy-filled episode, Suzanne Swain dives headfirst down the digital rabbit hole to share her lifelong love of tech—and how it’s changing the game for kids and families alike. From her first VGA monitor to today’s AI-powered tools, Suzanne walks listeners through fun, interactive ways to turn screen time into meaningful play and connection. She explores how to use AI to generate personalized coloring pages, DIY Pokémon cards, and even full-on board games. She explains how Trello can help kids (and parents) stay organized with fun, drag-and-drop checklists. Suzanne shares how virtual reality has tra...

At 3:18 AM, Suzanne Swain found herself wide awake, anxious, and overwhelmed. In this heartfelt episode, she shares how a late-night rewatch of Labyrinth became the unexpected comfort she needed.

Blending nostalgia, humor, and reflection, Suzanne explores the film’s timeless message of resilience and imagination—offering listeners a gentle reminder that even on the hardest days, there’s always light ahead. 

Contact Suzanne Swain:
Email: suzanneswain@gmail.com
Facebook: Suzanne Swain
Produced By: StellaMix Podcast Production

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 What’s the grandest thing you’ve ever done? Built a treehouse? Made a birthday cake from scratch? Raised a child… twice? In this heartwarming episode, Suzanne Swain (aka your favorite rural kid therapist) dives into the grand world of grandparents—from Rockettes at Radio City to blueberry summers in Alabama. 

With stories that range from Purple Hearts and polio to blueberry bushes and Jeopardy nights, Suzanne shines a light on the unsung heroes raising millions of children today. If you've got a “Glammy,” “TT,” or just good old “Grandma,” this episode’s for you. So grab a donut (sprinkl...

Welcome back, clever little foxes! Season 2 of The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast is officially here, and Suzanne M. Swain—your go-to guide for all things educational, emotional, and real—is kicking things off with a deep dive into test anxiety. This episode is packed with practical tips, thoughtful encouragement, and just the right amount of sass to help students (and their grown-ups) face testing season with confidence.

Suzanne reflects on a whirlwind school year filled with everything from pre-K energy to fourth-grade insights, sharing what she's learned from her students and how we can all rethink the...

Normieville Middle School’s eighth graders have taken entrepreneurship to a whole new level—by launching a booming Blow Pop business that’s causing a stir. Suzanne Swain steps in to unravel the sticky situation, using her background in behavioral psychology and leadership to guide these young hustlers toward a smarter, more ethical approach. With the help of Dr. Daria Morgan and Nanny the beloved school mascot, Suzanne taps into wolf pack dynamics to teach teamwork, responsibility, and the power of thinking ahead.

In this engaging and unexpected journey, listeners will explore the fine line between leadership and ch...

Ever thought about how traffic jams and middle school classrooms have more in common than you’d expect? In this episode, we dive deep into the power of perception—how it shapes our experiences, learning, emotions, and even society’s view of teachers. From navigating California freeways to the emotional chaos of adolescence, we explore why mental health and education must go hand in hand and why teachers are the unsung heroes battling burnout, low pay, and unrealistic expectations every day.

Through personal stories, humor, and thought-provoking insights, we’ll unpack why teachers are often seen as both sup...

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, we explore the essence of spirituality—not through religion, but through the stories, characters, and moments that shape our understanding of kindness, bravery, and purpose. From the gentle wisdom of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood to the powerful symbolism of The Lion King and Watership Down, we reflect on how childhood influences stay with us, guiding us toward living an honest and meaningful life.

Along the way, we dive into personal stories of loss, growth, and the unexpected teachers—whether human, animal, or animated—that have shaped a lifelong quest for understanding. With humor, n...

This year, we’re taking education to a whole new level—one playful idea at a time! From Lin-Manuel Miranda’s rap seminar bringing history to life, to eighth graders designing a better recess experience, this district meeting is packed with fresh ideas and fun initiatives. Dive into how Dungeons & Dragons campaigns are helping students build life skills, and how pop culture gems like Stranger Things are being used to connect learning styles with real-world applications.

We’re also celebrating community heroes and businesses that keep our district thriving, unveiling exciting plans for Imagineering Labs, and sharing quirky a...

Step into the extraordinary world of Dr. James Akenson, the educator who redefines what it means to teach. Known as the "Mr. Rogers of Teacher Education," Dr. Akenson blends visual thinking, storytelling, and thematic teaching (like country music!) to create immersive learning experiences that inspire students and teachers alike. Suzanne Akenson, deeply inspired by a former professor, took learning to a new graphically organized level, embodying his innovative approach in her own journey as an educator.

From dismantling time-bound learning to championing the power of doodles and graphic organizers, Dr. Akenson is a master at turning complex...

Join "Principal" Suzanne in this lively and heartwarming episode as she kicks off the school year with a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and kindness. From shouting out local sponsors like "Pretty Fly for a Wi-Fi" and "Curl Up and Dye," to introducing a remarkable new student, Hesse, Suzanne explores the beauty of seeing potential in every child.

Hesse, a military kid with a love for dogs and a genius for inventing "glorts" (glamping forts), becomes a symbol of the untapped creativity and resilience in all of us. Suzanne dives deep into how we can rethink challenges like...

In this heartwarming and thought-provoking episode, Suzanne explores the metaphor of the apple to uncover the often hidden struggles and strengths of both teachers and students. Just like an apple may appear perfect on the outside, but be bruised within, people carry unseen emotions and experiences beneath their surface. Drawing from her experiences as a professor of education and therapist, Suzanne shares a powerful story about connecting with a student through a simple apple experiment, revealing deep truths about mental health, resilience, and the impact teachers have on shaping young lives. As she reflects on the challenges educators face...

Join the Conversation & Noodle Along with Suzanne & Erica! Send us a text! Can't wait to hear from you!

Support the show

Join the Conversation & Noodle Along with Suzanne & Erica! Send us a text! Can't wait to hear from you!

Support the show

Join the Conversation & Noodle Along with Suzanne & Erica! Send us a text! Can't wait to hear from you!

Support the show

Join the Conversation & Noodle Along with Suzanne & Erica! Send us a text! Can't wait to hear from you!

Support the show

Join the Conversation & Noodle Along with Suzanne & Erica! Send us a text! Can't wait to hear from you!

Support the show

Join the Conversation & Noodle Along with Suzanne & Erica! Send us a text! Can't wait to hear from you!

Support the show

Join the Conversation & Noodle Along with Suzanne & Erica! Send us a text! Can't wait to hear from you!

Support the show

Join the Conversation & Noodle Along with Suzanne!

Support the show

Hey Gen Xers, remember when Mary Poppins seemed like the ultimate fix for everything? As a teacher and therapist, I’ve spent years wishing we had her magic back in the classroom. I’m Suzanne M. Swain, EDS/MSSW, and I've lived between the worlds of therapy and education, teaching emotions, middle school, and everything in between.

In this episode, we’ll dive deep into the heart of teaching and how creativity, empathy, and a sprinkle of that "Mary Poppins" magic can revive education. Together, we’ll explore how teachers can reclaim their spark, bring joy back into lea...