Middle school is a turning point for boys—and for parents. As curiosity grows and boundaries are tested, it can be hard to know what’s normal and what might signal something more concerning.

In this episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide Podcast, Suzy talks with educator and recovery coach Chris Rogers about risky behavior in middle school boys—how to spot early warning signs and how to respond in a way that keeps communication open.

They discuss: • The difference between curiosity and red flags • Behavioral, social, and digital warning signs to watch for • The role of peer pressure and social media • How to start conversations without triggering defensiveness • Practical strategies for managing risk at home

This episode offers practical guidance and reassurance for parents navigating one of the most challenging—and important—stages of raising boys.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to stay connected while guiding your son through these critical years.

Learn More About Chris Rogers — Rebooted Teen

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📚 Grab Suzy Shaw’s book: Mothers of Boys Survival Guide

🔗 Visit http://motherofboys.life for resources, links, and more.

📌 Subscribe for more parenting tips and support for raising boys! ⭐⭐⭐ Mothers of Boys Survival Guide Podcast ⭐⭐⭐

Parenting can be joyful, but it can also feel overwhelming. In this episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide Podcast, Suzy Shaw talks with mental fitness coach and mom of five, Penny Wilson, about what happens when parenting stress pushes moms into survival mode—and how learning to pause, breathe, and reset can help us respond more calmly in the heat of the moment.

Penny shares practical tools for regulating the nervous system, handling sibling conflict, and building mental fitness so parents can move from reactive parenting to calm leadership. If you’ve ever felt exhausted, overwhelmed, or unsure how to reset during intense parenting moments, this conversation offers encouragement and simple strategies you can begin using today.

Learn More About Penny Wilson — Kokoro Creators

👉 If this conversation was helpful, please like, subscribe, and share with another parent who might need it.

📚 Grab Suzy Shaw’s book: Mothers of Boys Survival Guide

🔗 Visit http://motherofboys.life for resources, links, and more.

📌 Subscribe for more parenting tips and support for raising boys! ⭐⭐⭐ Mothers of Boys Survival Guide Podcast ⭐⭐⭐

Some children don’t follow the typical developmental path—and when that happens, many moms suddenly find themselves navigating a maze of evaluations, acronyms, therapies, and school meetings.

In this episode of the Mothers of Boys Survival Guide Podcast, I talk with special education advocate Michelle Choairy, a mom who knows this journey firsthand. Michelle shares her story of raising her son, who was born prematurely and later diagnosed with a rare genetic condition, and how that experience led her to help other families navigate special education and support systems.

We talk about trusting your “mom gut,” recognizing early signs that something may be different, understanding IEPs and 504 plans, and why building the right team around your child can make all the difference. Michelle also shares her THRIVE framework, which helps parents advocate for their children while remembering to take care of themselves along the way.

If you’re raising a child with developmental delays, learning differences, or complex needs, this conversation is full of encouragement and practical insight.