The Elevated Adolescence Podcast

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 the tween and teen years. Head to www.theteenageguide.com on 4/27/23! #2: If you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can learn and support their own families. #3: Be sure to head to The Teenage Guide podcast on 4/27/23 as this podcast evolves to holistically support parents, tweens, and teens throughout the journey of adolescence. I can't wait to see you there!

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 I share personal stories, and the most insights and tips for elevating your middle school experience each week. Join me here, and get a free resource while you're at it! www.elevatedadolescence.com/resources  #2: If you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can learn and support their own families. Episode analytics

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 adolescent to walk out the door feeling confident and trusting themselves and, you want your adolescent to treat you and others with respect All of these wants are valid, and making them real in your life often starts with ensuring your projections are a thing of the past. I hope this helps you get closer to the peace you deserve, Ashley ____________________ P.S. Three things: #1: Send me an email if you're interested in being a Founding Member for my Monthly Membership as I mention in the episode! ashley@elevatedadolescence.com  #2: If you aren't on my email list you need to be. I'm about to release a brand new program - and if you're signed up - you'll be the first to know (and you get a discount) Join me here, and get a free resource while you're at it! www.elevatedadolescence.com/resources  #3: If you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can learn and support their own families.

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 work has the power to change you and your adolescent's lives for the better (within moments!)  I hope this helps you feel the ease and peace you both deserve, Ashley ____________________ P.S. Two things: #1: If you aren't on my email list you need to be. I'm about to release a brand new program - and if you're signed up - you'll be the first to know (and you get a discount) Join me here, and get a free resource while you're at it! www.elevatedadolescence.com/resources  #2: If you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can learn and support their own families.

Parenting an 11 to 13-year old is filled with hair-raising questions like,  Should I let her watch 13? Should I let her have a boyfriend?  Should I let them have Snapchat?  The truth is, in order to answer these questions confidently, you've got to do some inner digging and exploration. An expert can never tell you yes or no at a certain point without knowing your unique child.   You need tools you can use right now on your own, which is why I created this week's episode just for you.  Inside this episode you'll learn:  > Where you must begin in order to answer these questions with confidence > Why an expert opinion may or may not fly for you, and how to approach instead > Why these challenges are a huge opportunity for both of you I hope you use my simple formula to approach this whole process with more confidence and less fear. I'm always rooting you on, Ashley ____________________ 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 elevating your middle school experience each week. Join me here, and get a free resource while you're at it! www.elevatedadolescence.com/resources  #2: If you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can learn and support their own families.

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, and take action on forming new habits.  > and, why habits often fail inside home and lives of adolescents You and your middle schooler have the power to change, Ashley ____________________ 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 elevating your middle school experience each week. Join me here, and get a free resource while you're at it! www.elevatedadolescence.com/resources  #2: If you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can learn and support their own families.

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 elevating your middle school experience each week. Join me here, and get a free resource while you're at it! www.elevatedadolescence.com/resources  #2: If you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can learn and support their own families. 

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 parents should do if their middle schooler is having a hard time and, me laughing at my own ridiculous jokes (and Norah's classic response)  You don't have to have a podcast to practice this yourself. What if you spontaneously hit 'record' during a conversation with your kid? It could end up being a priceless gem like this. I hope you enjoy! ____________________ 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 elevating your middle school experience each week. Join me here, and get a free resource while you're at it! www.elevatedadolescence.com/resources  #2: If you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can learn and support their own families. 

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 rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you big high-fives and boatloads of peace in this new year. "Highly recommend! A great guide for those living or working with adolescents. Ashley's experience is apparent in the informative yet approachable episodes." In the spirit of kicking off this new year with your middle schooler with less stress, I've recently created a  a FREE PDF List with suggestions for de-stressing that you can print and easily hang on your fridge or in a room you'll see it regularly - www.elevatedadolescence.com/destress Enjoy! 

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 thinking. Where can you keep the practice of de-stressing really simple? Where can you say no more? Or, take less on? Sometimes we overcomplicate problems and really there can be simple solutions that are often linked to pausing, and de-stressing where we can. Just for you, (I've created a  a FREE PDF List with suggestions for de-stressing that you can print and easily hang on your fridge or in a room you'll see it regularly - www.elevatedadolescence.com/destress - it's also linked in the show notes.) Let 2023 be your year to heal and make living fully your top priority!  Cheers to YOU. P.S. If only you wonder what's actually needed to help your middle schooler do what they need to do, and build solid executive function skills, I've got something for you!  I created a brand new FREE class just for you: 'The Essential Path to Your Middle Schooler's Executive Function Success' Register TODAY to get a jump start and relieve some stress right now. Simply head to www.elevatedadolescence.com/efclass  I can't wait to see you there! ____________________ As always, if you like this episode, thank you for giving it a 5-star rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you big high-fives and boatloads of peace in this new year.

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 ask for support.  Thank you for joining me! I'm honored, and can't wait to see what 2023 brings for ALL OF US. ~Ashley ____________________ P.S. It's the holidays, and school is on break soon (or now!), but since you're the adult you never stop thinking about what's coming around the corner, and you know that right after the holidays, a new year and school terms begins. If only you could actually begin the new year with your middle schooler with a fresh, clean slate and an understanding of exactly how to help your middle schooler build the skills they need to do what they need to do. Well, parents, you are in luck. I created a brand new FREE class just for you: Executive Function Essentials for Middle schoolers and Caregivers And, you can register TODAY to get a jump start and relieve some stress right now. Simply head to www.elevatedadolescence.com/efclass  I hope to see you there! ____________________ As always, if you like this episode, thank you for giving it a 5-star rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you big high-fives and boatloads of peace to start 2023 FRESH. 

The ups and downs of middle school are real. And, parenting during this stage is a very, very hard job. (That's why I do what I do;) But, viewing adolescence as this terrible stage filled with only drama, pimples, mood swings, and hard times comes with an opportunity and sanity cost. And, I'm all about helping you stay sane and make the most of this time! In this episode I share the 'ESSENCE of Adolescence', coined from Dr. Dan Siegel, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine and the founding co-director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA.  Listen in to learn:  why your middle schooler's experience is essential to humanity progressing and becoming more conscious the ups and downs within ESSENCE; how to minimize the downsides and maximize the upsides and, how this big picture perspective can carry you through the temporary, yet challenging times Remember, just because it's uncomfortable doesn't mean it's bad. (And, I'm with you in spirit.) Cheers to YOU and your peace. ____________________ P.S. It's the holidays, and school is on break soon (or now!), but since you're the adult you never stop thinking about what's coming around the corner, and you know that right after the holidays, a new year and school terms begins. Be honest. What comes up for you when you think about another school term starting? Do you have a sense of dread? Get a pit in your stomach? Feel overwhelmed because the last term was such a roller coast ride for you and your kiddo. Are you filled with some frustration, anxiety, or breakdowns? If only you could actually begin the new year with your middle schooler with a fresh, clean slate and an understanding of exactly how to help your middle schooler build the skills they need to do what they need to do. Well, parents, you are in luck. I created a brand new FREE class just for you: Executive Function Essentials for Middle schoolers and Caregivers And, you can register TODAY to get a jump start and relieve some stress right now. Simply head to www.elevatedadolescence.com/efclass  I hope to see you there!  ____________________ As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you a huge virtual hug and high-five for an amazing end to this calendar year, this school term, and holiday season!

This week's topic is biggy for a number of reasons. "I just want my kid to be confident" is the #1 request I get from parents.  Authentic confidence is directly connected to where we all learn to feel successful from the inside out, and it really can build or break in these early adolescent years. Inside this episode, you'll learn: > What confidence really is > The connection between confidence and perfectionism > & The missing link to your middle schooler's confidence and how to connect with them around this topic to ensure they are on board without resistance Confidence isn't something you can buy, and it certainly can't be forced upon your kid. Listen in now to learn how you can give your middle schooler an authentic, sustainable confidence boost, and how deeply connected it is to this season of the year. ____________________ P.S. It's the holidays, and school is on break soon (or now!), but since you're the adult you never stop thinking about what's coming around the corner, and you know that right after the holidays, a new year and school terms begins.  Be honest. What comes up for you when you think about another school term starting? Do you have a sense of dread? Get a pit in your stomach? Feel overwhelmed because the last term was such a roller coast ride for you and your kiddo. Are you filled with some frustration, anxiety, or breakdowns? If only you could actually begin the new year with your middle schooler with a fresh, clean slate and an understanding of exactly how to help your middle schooler build the skills they need to do what they need to do. Well, parents, you are in luck. I created a brand new FREE class just for you: Executive Function Essentials for Middle schoolers and Caregivers And, you can register TODAY to get a jump start and relieve some stress right now. Simply head to www.elevatedadolescence.com/efclass  I hope to see you there, and I'm sending you peace this holiday season. ____________________ As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you a huge virtual hug and high-five for an amazing end to this calendar year, this school term, and holiday season!

The truth is that most students don't really know how to study. Teachers do the best they can at teaching, and giving clues as to what will be on tests (sometimes), but, rarely are students explicitly taught how to study in ways that work for their unique brain.  In today's episode I'm sharing my top 6 must-have study strategies every middle (high and college) student must know.  Each strategy: > is backed in executive function, education, and neuroscience research > explicitly teaches you and your middle schooler how to make things sticky to their unique brain and learning style, and in ways that build their cognitive resilience, or ability to withstand that dreaded test anxiety. I've also created a Free PDF Guide, so you can take what's inside this episode and make it real in your students life, at https://www.elevatedadolescence.com/study Listen in, download the guide, and be ready for a confidence boost in and out of school!  ____________________ As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you a huge virtual hug and high-five for an amazing end to this calendar year and school term. Listen in now!

If you're noticing a dip in your middle schooler's mindset, attitude, or grades, you're not alone. It's very common to start the school year optimistic, but around this time some patterns may start to reveal themselves. >Family routine ruts >You don't really know what's happening in your middle schooler's school day and no one is communicating well >Or, you're learning they aren't able to keep up with school But you don't know where to begin with any of it, and you want to give them the most support you can in a way that won't feel like it's doomed from the start. Enter this week's episode!  I'm back this week to share with you:  The essential 3-step pre-work needed before you begin (it's probably not what you think) Why being realistic instead of a dreamer is important, and how to set real, attainable goals How to examine what tests, projects lie ahead through a strategic lens What's actually essential to progress Annnd, lucky you. First, I've got a free PDF guide that goes with this episode, so you have your very own guide that walks you through the details inside this episode and you can customize it WITH your middle schooler: https://www.elevatedadolescence.com/finish2022strong And, this is a 2-part series. Next week I'm sharing my favorite studying strategies every middle schooler must know so you can make this plan real inside your own home. I hope this helps you and your middle schooler!  ____________________ As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you a huge virtual hug and high-five for an amazing end to this calendar year and school term. Listen in now!

In honor of my friend, Maya Spaull Johnsen, who passed away earlier this year, and this being her birthday week, I invite you and your middle schooler to pause and reflect.  Reflect on the ways you might be hurting, or in need of healing. Notice the areas of your life where you're rushing. You're numb. You're resentful, or stressed. Know that you have another choice in each moment to de-clutter your life and live with more peace. Send yourself some compassion - you can never have enough! Simply express gratitude for how much you've overcome, and appreciation for your support system. Give those areas attention and love right here and now. Right now is all you really have.  Maya inspired me to do meaningful work, so I dedicate the space of this week's episode to her.  She was an executive at Fair Trade USA, and has been since we met in our 20's. She was responsible for helping to improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of factory workers and farmers, and her legacy lives on in the partnerships she forged with many organizations you likely buy from today. In honor of Fair Trade Month, consider making a purchase to continue the incredible ripple effect of Maya's legacy.  https://www.fairtradecertified.org/ ____________________ As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you a huge virtual hug and high-five for an amazing start to this school year. You're not alone, and you and your kid deserve all the good that life brings. Listen in now!

We are at a deep cross roads as a species. I feel it everyday personally and professionally.  That's why I felt so pulled to produce this week's episode. I can feel anxious and worried, just like so many parents, but I always come back to center. Why? Because I have the belief that our conscious awareness and true Self is who we really are, and the bumpy road of adolescence has a greater purpose within human life. This belief guides and supports my work every day, which is why I wanted to share it with you here.   Inside this episode I'll share:  > what I mean by "spiritual purpose", and why I have an aversion to religion (this is super vulnerable for me to talk about) > the repeated pattern inside some spiritual teachings, wisdom traditions, and philosophies, and how you can apply this to parenting your adolescent right now > & how knowing this pattern can help you feel grounded in the midst of any challenge you or your adolescent face When I talk about elevating each and every adolescent, underneath that statement is the firm belief that each one of us matters just as we are, and it is our job as parents to help our kids feel valued simply because they exist.  Keep uplifting yourself and your middle schooler. ~Ashley ____________________ As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you a huge virtual hug and high-five for an amazing start to this school year. You're not alone, and you and your kid deserve all the good that life brings. Listen in now! p.s. Be sure to listen in because I've got an exciting announcement! If you're close to overwhelm, pulling out your hair, or daily anxiety around parenting your middle schooler, it's time for a much-needed confidence boost, my friends! I've decided that each month I'll be hosting my successful free, LIVE Masterclass: Middle School Confidence for Parents. And, the response so far has been amazing!  Inside the class, you'll learn: >How to Stop Feeling Anxious as a Middle School Parent >The #1 Factor That Makes Success Inevitable >& My 4-part Proven Method to Get Your Middle Schooler (& Yourself) Feeling More Joyful, Confident, and Successful (I've used this with every parent and every kid I've worked with!) This method is the key for you to confidently navigate struggles at home, school, and with peers. And, the best part? It's free! All you have to do is register for an upcoming day / time that works for you at: www.elevatedadolescence.com/masterclass2022

We are prescribed a culture of constant doing. Your to-do list never ends, all while balancing the needs of everyone in your home. If you're overwhelmed or stressed out thinking that there's never enough time in the day, you're not alone. This hamster wheel of time in Western culture is a lot, and it's virtually impossible to hold it all with your sanity in tact, my friends. In today's quick episode, I share a simple mindset shift to: > help you reframe parental overwhelm and time stress > set yourself up to feel lighter the moment you start your day > implement with 100% certainty your middle schooler will benefit  Here's to you harnessing the power of your own mind,  Keep uplifting yourself and your middle schooler. You deserve it. ~Ashley ____________________ As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. Listen in now!

I get a lot of questions from middle school parents and they usually fall into the following categories.  How do I get my kid to... listen to me? be motivated? be confident? not talk back?  do what they need to do? make healthy friends who like the real them? Maybe you can relate?  Now, unfortunately I'm not able to work with every single parent that comes my way. Which is why I recently hosted a free, live class: 'Middle School Confidence for Parents', sharing my 4-part proven method to solve any middle school challenge. And, today, I'm sharing the class with YOU.  This is the method I use over and over again, customized to each and every family.  Listen in to learn: > The #1 Factor that makes your peace inevitable > What is behind the life you're living and the life you crave as a parent > How to approach your relationship so your middle schooler invites you in, instead of shutting you out > What is required so you don't have to tell them to do something 1,000 times And, so much more.  When you have access to this method, you have the pieces to the middle school puzzle. Period. Here's to you, your learning, and your willingness to show up in all the ways you do. Keep uplifting yourself and your middle schooler. You deserve it. ~Ashley ____________________ As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you a huge virtual hug and high-five for an amazing start to this school year. You're not alone, and you and your kid deserve all the good that life brings. Listen in now! p.s. This exact method is built into my digital course 'Middle School Success for Parents' - and the doors to this course are officially open!! This is DESIGNED for you, busy parents. On-the-go, easily accessible, customizable to YOU, with lifetime access so you can solve any challenge that comes your way! Click the link below to find out more - I'm honored to support you.  https://www.elevatedadolescence.com/middle-school-success-parents

Parents have often come to me wanting me to teach their kid how to be organized, how to get good grades, or simply do what they need to do without breaking down or talking back. In other words - the executive functioning skills that demonstrate they are able to be the "boss" of their lives. But wanting to jump into these higher level skills first is what I call "the big executive function misconception" Listen in to learn:  > the neuroscience behind what's really going on  > how you could be blocking their inner "boss" > & what has to happen 100% of the time before they can be the boss of their life Here's to elevating each and every kid to be a confident, kind human. Keep uplifting yourself and your middle schooler.  You deserve it. ~Ashley ____________________ As always, if you like this episode, thank you for rating, reviewing, and subscribing to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, so other middle school parents like you can benefit. I'm sending you a huge virtual hug and high-five for an amazing start to this school year. You're not alone, and you and your kid deserve all the good that life brings. Listen in now! p.s. Be sure to listen in because I've got an exciting announcement! If you're close to overwhelm, pulling out your hair, or daily anxiety around parenting your middle schooler, it's time for a much-needed confidence boost, my friends! In just a few days, I'll be hosting a LIVE Masterclass: Middle School Confidence for Parents. And, it's going to be gooooood! Inside the class, you'll learn: >How to Stop Feeling Anxious as a Middle School Parent >The #1 Factor That Makes Success Inevitable >& My 4-part Proven Method to Get Your Middle Schooler (& Yourself) Feeling More Joyful, Confident, and Successful (I've used this with every parent and every kid I've worked with!) This method is the key for you to confidently navigate struggles at home, school, and with peers. And, the best part? It's free! All you have to do is register at: www.elevatedadolescence.com/masterclass2022