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Podcast Episode 316: Mattering Matters: Boosting Your Kid’s Self-Worth in a High Pressure World with Jennifer Wallace

Raising teens today feels like playing a game where the rules keep changing, and the stakes are sky-high. The constant achievement pressure isn’t just relentless—it’s toxic, leaving kids feeling like nothing they do is ever enough. In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with Jennifer Wallace, the brilliant mind behind the New York Times bestseller Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic — and What We Can Do About It. We dive deep into why mattering matters and how understanding this concept can change the game for parents and teens alike.

We get real about how this culture of toxic achievement is more than just stressful; it’s a recipe for burnout and low self-worth. But here’s the good news: there’s a way to break free. With a little curiosity and a whole lot of heart, we can start navigating those tricky teen years better—whether it’s through better conversations at home, managing teacher relationships without a three-ring circus, or teaching our kids that healthy competition is for growth, not comparison. Trust me, no degree in parental diplomacy needed!

And here’s the kicker—achievement pressure doesn’t just mess with our kids; it messes with us, too. We touch on why prioritizing your own resilience isn’t just self-care; it’s modeling survival skills for your teen in a world that seems like it’s always keeping score. This episode is packed with tips to help you stop just surviving and start thriving, showing your teens that what truly matters is who they are—not just what they achieve.

In this episode of the No Guilt Mom podcast you’ll learn:

  • Why “mattering” is crucial for children’s self-worth and achievement.
  • How curiosity in parenting can lead to better understanding of children’s struggles.
  • Those times that healthy competition can foster growth and support among peers.
  • How negativity bias affects how teens perceive situations.
  • Why parents need to prioritize their own resilience for their children’s sake.

Resources We Shared In This Episode:

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Read the transcripts HERE

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Brie Tucker

COO/ Podcast Producer at No Guilt Mom
Brie Tucker has over 20 years of experience coaching parents with a background in early childhood and special needs. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Central Missouri and is certified in Positive Discipline as well as a Happiest Baby Educator.

She’s a divorced mom to two teenagers.

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