Have you noticed your preteen’s mood shift after scrolling? More irritability, more comparison, more withdrawal — and less connection. Many moms are quietly wondering if social media is affecting their child’s mental health, but aren’t sure what’s normal, what’s concerning, or how to respond without creating power struggles.

In this episode of Confidence in Motherhood, we begin a 5-part series on social media and teens, focused on real life — what’s actually happening in homes right now and how moms can respond with calm, clarity, and leadership instead of fear or control.

Today’s conversation explores what research and experts have been warning about: heavy social media use is linked to increased emotional struggles, especially for preteens and teen girls. But instead of panic or blame, this episode reframes the issue in a way moms can use immediately. Social media doesn’t create emotions — it amplifies them. And when moms understand that, they can shift from reacting to leading.

You’ll learn what social media is doing emotionally, why screen time alone isn’t the real issue, and what matters more than counting minutes online. We’ll talk about how comparison, validation-seeking, and constant stimulation affect developing brains — and how these pressures show up as mood swings, sensitivity, and emotional shutdown at home.

Most importantly, you’ll walk away with one simple habit to try this week: a post-scroll emotional check-in that builds awareness, connection, and emotional regulation — without lecturing or losing authority. This episode lays the foundation for the rest of the series, helping you parent from confidence instead of control.

👉 In this 5-part series, you’ll also learn about:

• Why comparison culture crushes confidence
• How to set screen limits without power struggles
• Helping your teen regulate emotions in a digital world
• Raising emotionally strong teens in a scrolling culture

If you want calmer conversations and fewer emotional blowups, grab the free guide 5 Simple Daily Habits to End Power Struggles With Your Preteen at www.confidenceinmotherhood.com. These habits are practical, faith-anchored, and designed for real moms navigating real life.

You’re also invited to join our supportive Facebook community, Moms Raising Confident Preteens, where moms are learning to lead with clarity, connection, and calm.

👉 Join here my free Facebook community.

Do you ever feel caught off guard by your preteen’s sudden attitude, emotional shutdown, or frustration? Do you find yourself reacting with yelling, lecturing, or guilt afterward? Many behaviors that look like rebellion are actually signals of overwhelm, big emotions, and unmet needs.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing three simple emotional leadership strategies to help you recognize emotional triggers early, respond with intention instead of reaction, and build stronger connection with your preteen. You’ll learn how to notice emotional patterns before behavior escalates, use mirroring to create emotional safety, and replace long lectures with simple one-sentence responses that reduce tension and increase cooperation. These small habits help you create calmer conversations, deeper trust, and more confidence in your parenting.

f today’s conversation brought clarity, follow Confidence in Motherhood on Apple Podcasts so these calm, connection-building habits stay part of your week, Confidence in Motherhood!

Resources Mentioned

👉 Download: 5 Simple Daily Habits to End Power Struggles With Your Preteen www.confidenceinmotherhood.com

👉 Join here my free Facebook community: Connect With Your Preteen For Moms

If today’s conversation brought clarity, follow Confidence in Motherhood on Apple Podcasts so these calm, connection-building habits stay part of your week, Confidence in Motherhood!

👉 Download: 5 Simple Daily Habits to End Power Struggles With Your Preteen www.confidenceinmotherhood.com

👉 Join here my free Facebook community: Moms Raising Confident Preteens