38 Nature of the Beast | Managing Middle School with Mary Foard

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Middle school—the years of awkwardness, growth spurts, eye rolls, and endless energy. In this Nature of the Beast series episode, Sam and Melissa sit down with Mary Foard, a veteran middle school counselor and mom of twins, to unpack what parents really need to know about sixth, seventh, and eighth graders.

From the emotional rollercoasters of seventh grade to the reclusive “indoor cat” phase of eighth grade, Mary shares candid stories and practical strategies for navigating these wild years with connection, humor, and grace.

You’ll learn:

• Why middle schoolers don’t have to agree with your rules for them to follow them
• How to support abstract thinking and independence without over-rescuing
• The importance of touch points—like family dinners and car conversations—even when kids roll their eyes
• How to stay grounded when social drama and sarcasm start swirling
• Why it’s okay (and healthy) to let kids struggle a little

If you’re raising a middle schooler—or about to—this episode is full of wisdom, reassurance, and a reminder that, as Mary puts it, “It will work out.”

👉 Listen in and find your footing for these unforgettable years.

About Mary

Mary Foard is entering her 14th year as a middle school counselor at an independent school outside of Annapolis, MD and has worked in private practice with adolescents and their families. Prior to that, she was a middle school teacher for 10 years. Mary holds a Masters in Clinical Psychology and a Masters in Teaching. She’s an expert in all things middle school. 

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This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.