In this episode, I sit down with my stepdaughter, Olivia,  to talk about what's helped her become more independent and disciplined this past year in middle school. This year, we saw her make huge strides in her ability to stick with challenging tasks, stay committed to things, and overall become more focused and organized. In this conversation, Olivia shares: ✅What her teachers did this year to help her keep her work organized. ✅Why she found homework packets and home practice work confusing; and why it was hard to keep it organized. ✅Her mindset towards sports training and how it shifted this spring once sports got more competitive. ✅Her tips to help kids clean their rooms, and what helps her understand how to get it done well. ✅Why she thinks routines and expectations help her as a kid to stay focused, less anxious, and overall happier. In this episode, I mentioned the Time Tracking Journal, which is a SIMPLE tool that will help you get through daily routines (like homework) with ease, WITHOUT bribery, arguments, or constant hand-holding. The Time Tracking Journal walks you through a strategy you can do in just 10-15 minutes a day that will help kids get tasks done effectively and efficiently, and critical thinking skills and self-confidence at the same time. You can learn how to get instant access here: https://drkarenspeech.lpages.co/time-tracking-journal-37-1/ The De Facto Leaders podcast was formerly the “Are they 18 yet?®” podcast. As of November 2022, the name of the show has changed, and we’ve shifted from a focus on parenting to a focus on supporting clinicians and educators to design effective services for kids (but parents are still welcome to listen). Episodes published before November 24, 2022 will still contain some of our old branding.