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
38 Nature of the Beast | Managing Middle School with Mary Foard
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.
Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection.
You know when your kid screws up in some way, and you're sure of the lesson you want them to learn from it....but you’re not sure how to say it in a way they’ll actually hear?
Download Sam's free video guide that walks you through a simple, step-by-step process for handling these tough conversations called the L.O.V.E.D. framework.
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