Parenting Shrink Wrapped
Parenting Shrink Wrapped is your all-access pass to the wild and wonderful journey of raising kids! Hosted by Dr. Melissa Wellner, a double board-certified psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Samantha Straub, a licensed therapist, educator, and parenting coach, this dynamic duo brings a perfect mix of professional expertise and mom humor. With five kids between them—and thousands more they’ve supported in their professional roles—they’re here to share practical strategies and real-life stories that will help you navigate everything from tantrums to teen drama. Whether you're handling sleepless nights or the chaos of carpool, you'll find relatable advice and a good laugh along the way. Strap in, because parenting is a ride, and we're here to make it a little smoother!
Parenting Shrink Wrapped
#17: Is My Kid a Jerk? Handling Middle School Behavior & Big Emotions
Middle schoolers can test every parenting instinct, especially when their behavior at school doesn’t match the values you’ve worked so hard to teach them. In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa respond to a listener’s concern about her 13-year-old son—who is smart, confident, and well-liked, but has been acting out and getting in trouble at school.
They dive into why middle schoolers struggle with impulse control, how brain development impacts decision-making, and why peer approval often overrides parental expectations. Sam and Melissa also discuss the "You Screwed Up" conversation framework, how to approach discipline with curiosity instead of shame, and why a single bad report doesn’t mean you’re raising a toxic kid.
If you’ve ever worried about your child's behavior or found yourself over-apologizing to teachers, this episode is for you.
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Teen Savvy Coaching, Sam's coaching business for parents of teens and tweens
- Download Sam's free video guide: How to Have a "You Screwed Up" Conversation with your Child or Teen
- Download Sam's free e-book: Beyond Nagging: Empowering Parents to Transform Teen Homework Headaches
Annapolis Psychiatry, Dr. Melissa's private practice
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