From the moment a child is born, their life is often documented and shared online. But what happens when that digital footprint starts to shape their reality? In this eye-opening episode of Breaking Formation, hosts Merryl Tengesdal, Col, USAF (ret.), and Shea Phinney, MFT, dive deep into the phenomenon of "sharenting"—parents sharing their children's lives on social media.

This conversation goes beyond just embarrassing baby photos. Shea breaks down the psychological impact of growing up online, explaining how a parent's relationship with their phone can affect a child's brain development and attachment style. From the "secure" to the "anxious" attachment, discover how digital distractions might be rewiring the way the next generation connects with the world.

Merryl and Shea also tackle the tough questions:

• How does constant documentation affect a teenager's identity formation?
• What are the safety risks of sharing too much information online?
• How can parents respect their child's privacy while still celebrating memories?
• What practical steps can kids take to assert their boundaries respectfully?

Whether you're a parent navigating the digital age or a young person trying to reclaim your narrative, this episode offers vital insights into maintaining healthy relationships offline.

Don't miss this crucial discussion on navigating life in the digital era. Subscribe and follow Breaking Formation today for more insights on YouTube https://youtube.com/@breakingformationpodcast?si=ZJayGz8cXkwy1X69

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Ever wondered what it takes to bring a 30-year-old dream to life? In this special episode of Breaking Formation, the tables are turned as co-host Shea Phinney, MFT, interviews Merryl Tengesdal, Col, USAF (ret.), about her incredible journey creating the graphic novella, "Shatter the Sky."

Join them for an inspiring conversation that peels back the curtain on the creative process. Merryl shares the story behind the story—from a long-held idea to finding the right collaborators and navigating the challenges of independent publishing. This episode is a masterclass in persistence, the power of community, and trusting your vision against all odds.

Discover the lessons Merryl learned about patience, building a team, and the emotional journey of reliving her experiences to create something new. If you've ever had a passion project you've wanted to pursue, this discussion will give you the motivation to take the next step.

Don't miss out on more inspiring stories. Subscribe and follow "Breaking Formation" wherever you get your podcasts.

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In a world of filters and carefully crafted captions, who are you really? Welcome to "The Profile and The Person," an episode that dives deep into the growing divide between our digital selves and our authentic selves.

Join co-hosts Merryl Tengesdal, Col, USAF (ret.), and Shea Phinney MFT, a child development and psychology expert, as they explore the pressures of maintaining a perfect online image. They discuss the psychological strain this creates, especially for teenagers navigating identity formation in the age of social media.

This episode unpacks the importance of understanding your personal value system—your internal GPS—and how it can guide you toward genuine self-expression. Merryl and Shea share personal stories and offer practical advice on how to shift your focus from chasing likes to building authentic connections. Learn how to embrace your true self, imperfections and all, and use social media as a tool for creativity and connection rather than comparison.

If you've ever questioned the reality behind the screen, this conversation is for you.

Don't miss out on future discussions. Subscribe and follow "Breaking Formation" for more insights on navigating our ever-changing world.

In This Episode:

0:00 - The Perfect Selfie vs. Reality

2:40 - Defining the Digital Self vs. The Real Self

4:07 - How Social Media Impacts Teenage Brain Development

6:43 - When Does Presenting "Wins" Become Damaging?

7:13 - Using Your Personal Value System as a GPS

10:58 - Practical Advice for Staying Authentic Online

15:30 - Finding Who You Are By Finding Who You're Not

18:14 - Why Our Brains are Wired for Authentic Connection

20:34 - Next Episode Teaser

Check out the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mlnHvgCH0q0

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