Ep 281: Empowering Teen Girls

Chelsey Goodan, author of Underestimated: The Wisdom and Power of
Teenage Girls, shares invaluable insights into empowering teenage
girls through listening, validating their emotions, and
encouraging a broader sense of self beyond societal expectations,
while also addressing body image, feminism, and the struggles
teens face today.


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Full Show Notes


Raising teenage girls often feels like navigating a minefield of
societal pressures, emotional upheaval, and misunderstood
conversations. Parents strive to empower their daughters but find
themselves grappling with how to breach topics on body image,
confidence, feminism, and independence without exacerbating the
situation. Today, more than ever, teenage girls are facing
unprecedented challenges, from the pressures of social media to
confronting traditional gender roles, leaving parents questioning
how they can support their daughters through these tumultuous
years.


Our esteemed guest, Chelsey Goodan, brings a wealth of experience
and insights to this conversation. With 17 years under her belt
as an academic tutor and mentor for teenage girls, Chelsey has
also lent her expertise as the mentorship director of the
non-profit DemocraShe and the founder of the Activist Cartel. Her
book, *Underestimated: The Wisdom and Power of Teenage Girls*,
unveils the untapped potential and profound insights of teenage
girls, urging us to listen more and to foster meaningful
conversations that validate and empower.


The Power of Validation and Listening


Chelsey emphasizes the importance of allowing teenage girls to
express their feelings without hurriedly offering solutions or
dismissing their emotions. By simply validating their experiences
and emotions, we can help them process their feelings healthily,
building a foundation of trust and open communication. Chelsey
provides practical insights into "holding space" for these
conversations, demonstrating how we can encourage girls to find
their solutions and gain confidence in their decision-making
abilities.


Breaking Cycles and Expanding Identity


Through Chelsey’s stories and examples, we learn how to break the
cycles of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and negative self-talk.
Chelsey discusses expanding a girl’s sense of identity beyond
academic achievements or singular interests, urging a
multifaceted self-view that fosters resilience and inner
strength. Encouraging exploration and supporting their passions
can lead to a more balanced and fulfilled sense of self.


Tackling Tough Topics with Radical Honesty


From discussing feminism to confronting the unrealistic beauty
standards perpetuated by the media, Chelsey outlines strategies
for having radical, honest conversations about the issues that
matter most to teenage girls today. She offers advice on how
parents can engage in these discussions, not by dictating but by
opening up dialogues that respect and value the girl's
perspectives and unique voices.


Cultivating a Culture of Compliments


Chelsey highlights the intricacies of giving meaningful
compliments that resonate with teenage girls, illustrating how
specificity and authenticity in praise can make them feel seen,
heard, and genuinely valued. This approach not only bolsters
their self-esteem but also encourages a closer, more
understanding relationship between parent and child.


In the Episode:


- How simple acts of listening and validating can transform your
relationship with your teenage daughter.
- Strategies to break the cycle of people-pleasing and
perfectionism.
- Approaching difficult conversations around body image,
feminism, and identity with openness and curiosity.
- The potent effects of detailed and heartfelt compliments.
- Plus, Chelsey takes us through how to engage teenage girls in
conversations about their interests, even if it’s about figures
like Kim Kardashian, to explore deeper topics such as media
influence and self-expression.


Chelsey's insights serve as a beacon for parents navigating the
complexities of raising teenage girls in today's world. Her
emphasis on conversation, validation, and empowering girls to
find their voice demonstrates the transformative power of
understanding and support.


Be sure to grab a copy of Underestimated: The Wisdom and Power of
Teenage Girls for more of Chelsey’s invaluable advice. And
remember, fostering an environment where teenage girls feel
empowered, valued, and understood can make all the difference in
their journey to adulthood.


Listen to the episode for a deep dive into empowering teenage
girls and subscribe to Talking to Teens for more expert advice on
connecting with the teenagers in your life.





Sponsored by Equip: Eating disorder treatment
that works—delivered at home. Visit equip.health/talking for more
information, and a free consultation.