A sigh. A look. A refusal that lands harder than it should. Suddenly the interaction has shifted, even though nothing big has happened.

In this episode of Chaos to Context, we'll look at why these moments feel so personal in the middle grades, how developing brains and nervous systems shape kids' behavior, and how adult interpretation often steers the outcome. Through familiar parenting moments, the episode explores what helps adults stay steady when things tighten.

This episode draws on developmental psychology, neuroscience, and the author's experience as a parent and educator.