Are you looking for a way to help your middle schooler express the complex emotions she’s feeling? Between the stress of higher academic demands, friendship changes, and a new, more independent identity starting to emerge, our kids have a lot going on and don't always know how to communicate it. And many of our kids carry so much more on their shoulders than the everyday challenges of middle school, like trauma, mental health challenges, medical challenges, and more. We may not be able to take away the hardships our kids face, but we can help them understand and address what they’re experiencing. In today's episode, I'm interviewing singer, songwriter, and youth empowerment coach Emma G how teens can use songwriting to express themselves. By helping our kids combine music and language the outcome is so much more than art. About the Guest:TEDx Speaker, Singer/songwriter, Musician, and Youth Empowerment Coach Emma G has been using the power of music to empower, inspire, and motivate audiences worldwide her entire life. Born with a rare neurological condition called hydrocephalus, Emma G has used the power of music and songwriting to recover from multiple traumas, including ten brain surgeries, by writing and singing her truth, sharing her experiences, and turning her lessons into blessings.Learn more about Emma G's work at www.emmagmusic.com. Connect with Emma G on Facebook and Instagram. Watch Emma G's TedX talk. Check out Reconnect with Your Teenager: A Parent's Guide to Helping Your Stressed or Anxious Kid Through the Art of Songwriting.Connect with Raising Middle School Girls:Thank you for listening to the Raising Middle School Girls podcast. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more conversations with experts designed to help you support your middle school girl, please subscribe. You can also sign up for the Raising Middle School Girls newsletter to receive tips and resources, upcoming events, and new podcast episodes, all designed to support you and your child.  And we want to hear from you! Let's connect on Instagram and send a DM to @RaisingMiddleSchoolGirls if you have a question you'd like answered on the podcast or have feedback on an episode. We're in this together, parents!