I am SO excited about today’s interview. You’ll recognize my guest today - Julietta Skoog my co-founder and the Early Years Lead here at Sproutable! She’s here today to talk about back-to-school season with middle schoolers.   Julietta and I cover so much this week - balancing caring for our kids & our aging parents, the jarring differences between elementary & middle school, and watching their decision-making and mistakes. We talk about why kids come home so upset & frustrated from school and how to create routines & systems that work for your family.   We really dig into the difference between scaffolding and witnessing, how to support middle schoolers with their homework, the friend drama (especially when it’s new friends/families that you don’t know), and how screens & texting affect those friendships.   Takeways from the show “Sandwich season” - taking care of your young children & aging parents at the same time  What do summers look like when your kids aren’t little anymore?  Navigating phones & screens with middle schoolers  Fears & concerns around safety - “what if?” energy  The after-school release & attitude  “September is a month of grace” - it won’t always be back-to-school season!  Creating systems & routines that work for your family  Friend drama in Middle School (high highs & low lows)  Self-reflection as a growing skill For more show notes, including transcripts, visit our website here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices