Helping Your Daughter Through Middle School Drama

Middle School + Girls. Wow, there can be a lot there! Becky and Sarah talk with author Heather Holleman about her book, "This Seat's Saved." Her book deals with middle school issues in fiction form...perfect for daughters and moms to discuss tricky situations...including rejection at the lunch table. Listen in--we believe connecting with your middle school daughter is SO worth it...and this could be a tool to help. Parenting middle schoolers is not easy...we're cheering you on!ABOUT OUR GUESTDr. Heather Holleman is an associate teaching professor with over 25 years of experience in the college classroom. She is a national public speaker, podcaster, and award-winning author of over 8 books, including a bestseller in the inspirational market. Heather and her husband, Ashley, also work with a missions organization (Cru) where Ashley serves as the Executive Director of Graduate Student Ministry. Heather blogs daily at heatherholleman.com and writes both fiction and nonfiction. She has two daughters, three cats, and a fantastic backyard garden with plum trees, blackberries, and lilacs.ABOUT THE BOOKThis Seat's SavedClass schedules, locker combinations, and the play for popularity — middle school is a new world with new rules.At the start of 7th grade, Elita Brown’s friends enjoy their seats at the popular lunchroom table. Meanwhile, Elita hides in the bathroom. This is not how she envisioned middle school. And her omission from the popular table is only the beginning of her problems. What will she do when she’s terrorized by the meanest girl in school and accused of a crime she didn’t commit? Elita befriends an older couple living in the woods and gains confidence through her project on the red fox. Will Elita find her way and take her seat at the best table? Full of suspense and divine moments, readers will be captivated by this story.Parents and teachers who loved Seated with Christ can invite their middle school reader to This Seat’s Saved. With great discussion questions and a main character who learns to read her Bible, trust God for the first time, and understand what it means to be seated with Christ from Ephesians 2:6, This Seat’s Saved will help young readers on their journey with Jesus.Chapters:(00:00) Connected Mom podcast focuses on helping moms connect more deeply with God and others(01:16) Dr. Heather Holman is a bestselling author and professor at Penn State(03:46) Heather wrote Seated with Christ about being rejected at middle school lunch table(05:21) Heather decided to go with fiction for this book about overcoming rejection(07:59) Sometimes girls don't open up to their moms, Heather says(10:33) Heather, another theme that I saw in the book is shame(18:23) Heather: When we were raising our kids, I always prayed for them(25:57) You can share stories of how you had to turn to God(32:51) Do you remember the first passage of Scripture that you memorized and just loved(35:17) We want our kids to lean into the power of God's Word(36:14) Heather: I pray for a special blessing over our moms out