Adolescence is a strange, wonderful journey. We get to watch our children begin their journey into adulthood, with all the pitfalls and joys that accompany it. Middle school is an especially pivotal time, when our kids start to form their own identities and beliefs - and when we as parents see our role begin to change in their lives as well. Our guest today, Phyllis Fagell, has taken a particular interest in this age group. In addition to her work as the school counselor for Sheridan School in Washington, D.C., Phyllis provides therapy to children, teens and adults in private practice at the Chrysalis Group, Inc. and is a frequent contributor to the Washington Post. She saw a gap in the current parenting conversations, often lumping middle schoolers in with either their younger elementary school or older high school counterparts. This led her to author an incredibly insightful book, titled Middle School Matters. This conversation is honest, humble, and hugely helpful for those of us parenting, or about to parent, this precious phase of life. Find our more about Phyllis Fagell at her website, phyllisfagell.com