RAISING CONFIDENT TEEN DAUGHTERS | Self-Esteem, Self-Worth, Mental Health Education, Parenting, Friendship, Comparison

Do you ever feel like you’re constantly taking care of everyone else… and there’s nothing left for you?

In this episode, I’m sharing what being forced to slow down reminded me about self-care, what actually matters, and how to start showing up more intentionally as a mom.

xo, Kristen 

🧡Want more support with this? Join me for my free Raising Confident Girls Workshop where I’ll walk you through simple ways to stay calm, confident, and connected with your daughter.

You can register here:
https://meanttobeme.org...

If your daughter is going through a hard season, I feel you. Whether she's been dropped by all of her "friends", anxiety has been taking over her life, she's struggling with body image, or something else... I want you to know that there's hope for better days ahead. Tune in to hear my story and how to support your daughter in the meantime. 

xo, Kristen 

Free Workshop for Moms - April 14th 10 AM Az/Pacific

If you’re raising a tween or teen daughter and want practical tools to stay confident, calm...

If you’ve ever had one of those mornings with your daughter where everything escalates and nothing you say seems to be helping, this episode is for you.

Today I’m sharing a real-life look at what happened, what I’m reminding myself in these moments, and why learning to pause is one of the most important things we can do when emotions take over... for both our daughters and ourselves.

You’re not doing it wrong. This is part of the journey! 

xo, Kristen 

Free Workshop for Moms - April 7t...

If your daughter has ever said something negative about herself (or you’ve had a feeling she might be thinking it), this episode is for you.

Because one of the hardest parts of parenting girls is watching them struggle with how they see themselves… and not knowing how to help.

In this episode, I’m sharing 3 things to remember when her confidence drops, and how to support her in a way that actually helps.

The best news? Confidence isn’t something she either has or doesn’t have... it’s something she’s building.

Most of us just want our daughters to be happy… but what if that’s not actually the goal?

What if there's something even better?

In this episode, we’re talking about why emotional resilience matters more than happiness and how helping your daughter handle uncomfortable feelings builds true confidence.

xo, Kristen 

Free Workshop for Moms

If you’re raising a tween or teen daughter and want practical tools to stay confident, calm, and connected during this stage, I’d love to invite you to my upcoming workshop:

If your daughter struggles with anxiety, you may feel like her world is getting smaller. School, friendships, and even the things she once loved can start to feel overwhelming.

And as a mom, it can be both heartbreaking and exhausting to watch. 

In this episode, I’m sharing from personal experience how to help support your daughter through anxiety while gently helping her build confidence and expand her world again.

xo, Kristen 

Free Workshop for Moms

If you’re raising a tween or teen daughter and want practic...

As girls get older, connection can become more of a challenge. Life gets busier, conversations can feel shorter, they are spending more time with friends, and many moms find themselves wondering how to stay close in this new stage of parenting.

In this episode, I’m sharing why 1-on-1 time still matters more than we think, and 3 simple ways to make it count.

Inspired by research and a reminder I needed myself, this episode will encourage you to keep connection simple, intentional, and present.

xo, Kristen 

Free Workshop for Moms...

Parenting tween and teen girls can feel surprisingly lonely.

When our kids were little, it felt so easy to talk openly with other moms about sleep struggles, feeding schedules, and tantrums. But as our daughters get older, many moms quietly find themselves navigating new challenges without the same level of support.

In this episode, we’re talking about why this can feel so isolating, and you’ll also hear a few gentle ways to start finding more support and connection as you figure out these years with your daughter.

If y...

I saw a popular post on Instagram this week claiming a girl’s confidence window closes at age 12, and a lot of parents were scared. 

If that’s true… what does it mean if your daughter is already 12, 14, or 16?

In this episode, we talk about what research actually says about girls’ confidence, why it often dips in the tween years, and why it’s not too late to help your daughter build her confidence. (Plus my favorite simple tips that make a big difference in her self-esteem!)

If you're here listening, you’re already doing...

Last week I was working on a new lesson for my course that asks moms to reflect on their own struggles as teenagers.

While I was thinking about some of my experiences, I ended up sharing a few of them with my daughters… and it turned into a really emotional and connecting moment I didn’t expect.

If you're navigating the ups and downs of raising a tween or teen daughter, this episode will encourage you to pause, reflect, and remember that connection often starts with understanding.

xo, Kristen 

Mentio...

Does your daughter struggle with making friends?

Maybe she freezes in conversations…
Only gives compliments…
Or doesn’t know what to say after “hi.”

If you’ve ever felt the ache of watching your daughter struggle socially, this episode will give you something practical to try.

I’m teaching you a simple social skills framework you can use at home:

Notice → Ask → Share

It’s a repeatable formula that helps girls:

Start conversations

Keep them going

Move beyond surface-level compliments

Build real connect...

Do you ever snap at your daughter and then immediately think,
“Why did I react like that?!” 

You're not alone.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about whythis happens, what triggers your nervous system, and how you can reset and repair afterwards. 

Because remember, confidence isn’t about not feeling big emotions.
It’s about being willing to feel them, and modeling that for your daughter.

xo, Kristen 

Mentioned in this episode:

- FREE GUIDE: Join my email insider list and start building her wor...

When I ask moms what they want most for their daughters, they nearly all say some version of: staying confident, being true to who they are, not trying to fit in, loving themselves, etc. 

In this episode, we’re talking about fitting in vs. belonging and three realistic ways to support your daughter on her journey towards the goal of belonging.

This is for moms who want to raise daughters with self-worth rooted in truth, who feel safe being themselves, and who know they can always find their way back when they feel the pull to...

Do you feel unsure how to connect with your daughter now that she’s growing into a tween or teen?

If connection felt easier when she was younger, you’re not alone. This parenting struggle is common, and yet it can still feel really hard!

In this episode, I share a simple connection hack that has made a big difference for me and for many moms I talk to: get into her thing.

We talk about why this approach works so well during the tween and teen years, how it builds both connection and...

When your daughter makes a choice that you wish she wouldn't have, it’s easy to focus on correcting the behavior. But one common parenting mistake can quietly lower your daughter’s self-worth and self-esteem without you realizing it.

In this episode, we talk about why separating the behavior from her identity matters so much for her mental health.

You’ll learn what to say instead when your daughter is overwhelmed, ashamed, or speaking negatively about herself, that protects her self-worth while still holding healthy boundaries.

If you’re parenting tween or teen girls an...

When your daughter is struggling, it can feel impossible not to take on her emotions as your own. In this episode, we talk about how to help without absorbing her anxiety, fear, or sadness, and why regulating yourself first is so important.

You’ll learn what co-regulation looks like with teens, whether it’s okay for your daughter to see you cry or know you’re feeling anxious, and what to say to support her without making things worse.

As challenging as these seasons are, they can build emotional resilience and help your teen and tween...

Do you ever wish your teen daughter would open up about her feelings more?

I know how hard it is to watch those feelings stay stuffed down inside when you know how much it will help her to be able to let them out!

In this episode, I’m sharing three things you can start doing right now to help her with this that will both strengthen her emotional health and your connection.

xo, Kristen 

Mentioned in this episode:

- My Confidence Course for Girls/Moms: Get all...

Do you ever feel pressure to start the year with big goals or have everything figured out? 

In this episode, I’m sharing my vision for Meant to Be Me this year, along with a gentler approach to reflecting, dreaming, and planning for a new season with confidence. 

You’ll also hear a few simple ideas you can try with your daughter (that also happen to be confidence-building!) as you move into this year together.

If you’ve been craving a calmer, more intentional way forward, this episode is for you.

xo, Kris...

Have you ever stopped to think about just how much of an emotional load we carry as moms, especially when our girls enter the teen years?

Life has been full lately, so in this episode I’m sharing a little “life lately,” some honest reflections on the emotional heaviness of raising teen girls, and a gentle reset as we head into a new year together. I’m also giving you a sneak peek at what’s coming soon for the podcast!

xo,
Kristen

Mentioned in this episode:

- FREE: Start...

In this episode, I’m sharing why travel can be such a powerful way to connect with your daughter, from our special 12-year-old solo trips to a recent girls’ trip with all three of my daughters. We'll also talk about how travel doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated, including how I use travel points to make these experiences affordable! And most importantly, why even a simple overnight staycation can be a game-changer when your daughter is struggling and you need to reconnect.

xo, Kristen 

Mentioned in this episode:

- Best Chr...

Did you love reading picture books and snuggling up with your kids when they were little, but now you don't know how to connect during the tween/teen years? You're not alone.

In this episode, I'm talking about why reading aloud is STILL one of the most powerful ways to connect with your daughters. Inspired by The Read-Aloud Family, you’ll learn the surprising research behind why this will build both confidence and connection. 

You’ll also walk away with 3 simple, doable steps to start reading aloud today… even if you’re busy, even if she’s old...

Are you currently watching your daughter struggle with school anxiety, girls being mean to her, or not belonging, and it's breaking your heart?

Whatever hard season she's going through, I want to offer you three quick messages of hope to hang onto that she will get through this. Don't miss this listen.

Sending love to both of you!

xo, Kristen 

Mentioned in this episode:

- FREE: Start building her worth and confidence today → Five Simple Ways to Build Your Daughter's Self-Esteem in Five Minutes a Day

...

Have you ever found yourself yelling, worrying, or handing out a consequence you instantly regretted? You're not alone.

In this episode, we’ll talk about what’s really happening when our girls test boundaries, how our reactions impact their confidence, and how to repair those hard moments with honesty and love.

You’ll learn:

- Why testing limits is a normal part of her development

- How to give yourself grace when you overreact

- How to repair and reconnect after conflict - and empower her in the pro...

If your daughter struggles with anxiety, you’ve probably seen how it chips away at her confidence. And it is so hard to watch as a mom!

In this week’s episode, we’re discussing how to help her rebuild her inner belief in herself when fear starts to take over.

You’ll learn:

What your daughter needs most are tools, connection, and someone who believes she can do hard things...

Come sit on my porch with me, and let's catch up! I'm giving you a quick overview of my powerful confidence framework I teach and leaving you with the three most important takeaways you need to know to help your daughter love herself today. 

Because when she loves herself, it has a ripple effect on every other aspect of her life. 

xo, Kristen 

Mentioned in this episode:

- My Confidence Course for Girls/Moms: Get all the videos, activities, and tools to help your daughter build her confi...

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a simple friendship check-in activity that's so helpful. It’s an easy way to open up conversations about what makes a good friend, what doesn’t, and how to help your daughter reflect on her own friend group.

Friendships can be tricky at this age, but with the right tools you can give your daughter confidence in who she chooses to spend her time with and build deeper connection between you along the way.

xo, Kristen 

Mentioned in this episode:

- Confident...

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and I wanted to talk about a heavy but hopeful topic: what parents can do before it’s ever a crisis.

I’ll walk you through the four stages of suicide prevention, but we’ll focus most of our time on Stage 1, which is building connection and emotional health.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- Why “stage 1” is such a powerful prevention strategy

- The top pressures teens face (bullying, substance use, family conflict) and how connection buffers against them

- Simple daily...

Last week was a heavy week for many of us. Between local and national tragedies, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Our girls are watching, listening, and taking it all in too. 

In today’s episode, I want to bring us back to a core belief that grounds me through weeks like this: every human being has innate worth. When we truly understand that - no matter what - it changes the way we love ourselves and the way we see others.

You’ll hear:

- Why helping our girls see...

Is your daughter her own worst critic? Watching her be so hard on herself can feel so overwhelming as a mom. You want to help, but you’re not sure how.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about why so many tween and teen girls struggle with perfectionism and what you can do to support your daughter when she feels like nothing she does is “good enough.”

You’ll learn:

- Why perfectionism shows up so strongly for girls in these years

- The hidden cost of being too hard on t...

Have you ever tried all the right tools in the middle of your daughter’s meltdown…only to realize nothing seems to be helping?It’s frustrating and discouraging, but once you realize her brain can't take in new information when it's in fight-or-flight mode, it's a game-changer.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing what I wish I had known earlier about building my daughter’s emotional resilience: that the real work happens on the calm days. Just like learning to swim, our girls need to practice coping strategies in calm waters so they can use them...

Does your daughter ever roll her eyes or act like she doesn’t want you around? As moms, we often think our girls don’t need as much affection as they grow, but the truth is...they actually need it more!

In this episode, I’ll share why hugging your daughter is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to validate her feelings, build a stronger connection, and boost her self-esteem. You’ll learn:

- The surprising scientific benefits of hugging.

- How to incorporate more hugs into your daily life. 

Has your daughter started making little comments about her body changing? Things like “I feel fat” or “I don’t like how I look”?

If so, you’re not alone. Today’s girls are growing up in a “Sephora world” where beauty standards are louder than ever, and it can feel overwhelming to know how to help her love herself.

In this episode of Meant to Be Confident, I’ll walk you through:

- Why negative body comments happen

- How these new cultural pressures are shaping the way our daughters see themselves

Your daughter’s emotions can feel big (and sometimes overwhelming!) for both of you.

But what if, instead of trying to calm her down right away, you could help her ride those emotions like a wave…and come out calmer, more confident, and more connected on the other side?

In today’s episode, I’m sharing my favorite “wave analogy” from our girls’ confidence workshops and my own parenting journey. You’ll walk away with 3 simple steps to help your daughter feel her feelings in healthy ways - a skill that will help her for the rest...

It's back-to-school season, and that means a return to different schedules, rhythms, and activities! I'm walking you through my process I have refined over the years (that I LOVE) of creating my fall schedule with intention. You'll learn how to create a "confidence map" for both you and your daughter, and then how to use it as your guide to designing the life you both want. So grab a notebook and pencil, get cozy, and let's get started!

xo, Kristen 

Mentioned in this episode:

- Learn how to create Your Confidence Ma...

Whether her best friend moves away or the group she's hung out with forever moves on without her, few things are harder to watch her go through than this. The loneliness is hard, and this is for sure a time when she needs you the most. But often our default is to try and fix the situation which rarely leads to good results. Listen in to find out how to handle this all in a much better way that will leave her feeling confident and connected.

xo, Kristen 

Mentioned in this episode:

...

If your daughter is struggling with going back to school, you need these tools! This episode is packed with simple, actionable ways for you to boost her confidence during a time when she really needs it. From helping with her thoughts and feelings to self-worth and friendship issues - it's all here. And chances are, you could use these tools to help with your own anxieties about the new school year. I've got you both.

xo, Kristen

Mentioned in this episode:

- Get the guide that goes along with this episode f...

You're doing all the right things to build her confidence, yet she's still trying to "change herself" to fit in with friends. You're not alone in this struggle! Tune in to find out why this is happening and what you can do to help anchor your daughter from drifting too far from who she is meant to be.

xo, Kristen

Get My Favorite Travel Card (Sapphire Preferred) to adventure with your daughter: 

Chase Sapphire Card Collection | Chase.com

Listen to the Confidence Map podcast episode: 

Have you ever projected your past insecurities and fears from your teen years onto your girls, when in fact, they don't have the same struggles? This is so common. Listen in to hear some examples of how this might be showing up in your parenting, when it's not helpful, and what to try instead.

xo, Kristen

Favorite Summer Boredom Activity: (Use code KRISTENARNETT to save 10%) - My girls have learned to hand letter from these books, and I love the focus they have on mental health. 

Mindful Lettering Workbooks

This one might surprise you because it's sooo easy to forget about: taking care of YOU. After my therapist reminded me of this last week, I knew I needed to record an episode about it. This is an especially important concept for us moms to remember during the summers when we are pulled so many directions with our kiddos!

xo, Kristen

Get started today with my free guide: Five Simple Ways to Build Your Daughter's Self-Esteem in Five Minutes a Day

One-on-One Coaching - I'd love to support you in...

It literally breaks our hearts as moms when we hear our girls say they're ugly, fat, etc. and our default reaction is to tell them how beautiful they are. However the timing of when we tell them that matters, as well as what we say before and after. Listen in to hear the framework for exactly what to say when this happens in your home so you're prepared to respond in a way that builds both connection and confidence.

xo, Kristen

LAST CHANCE to join Summer Confidence Camp for local tween girls June 16...