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The Child Psych PodcastAuthor: Institute of Child Psychology Language: en Genres: Education, Kids & Family, Parenting Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Why Girls Confidence Drops at 10 with Elle Wilks, Episode #170
Episode 170
Wednesday, 18 February, 2026
In this episode, we sit down with Elle Wilks, confidence advocate and co-founder of Fearless Girls Club, to explore a pattern many parents notice but don’t always understand: why girls’ confidence so often drops around age 10.This is the age when many girls shift from carefree self-expression to self-consciousness. Peer approval, appearance, performance, and social comparison begin to carry more weight. What once felt easy — speaking up, trying new things, being silly, taking risks — can suddenly feel loaded with fear of getting it wrong.Elle shares what is happening developmentally, socially, and emotionally during this stage, and how subtle messages about being “good,” “nice,” and “liked” can slowly disconnect girls from their authentic voice. We talk about the growing influence of friendships, perfectionism, school pressure, and the early impact of social media culture — even before many girls are officially online.Drawing from her work with girls and families through Fearless Girls Club, an award-winning UK social enterprise supporting girls aged 8–12, Elle explains how confidence isn’t built through lectures — it grows through experiences of courage, creativity, and connection. Their monthly themed activity boxes are designed to spark those moments, giving girls practical tools, stories, and creative challenges that nurture bravery, kindness, and self-worth in a hands-on, meaningful way.Most importantly, this conversation is packed with practical ways parents can respond when confidence begins to wobble. You’ll learn how to:• notice early signs of shrinking confidence• support bravery without adding pressure• shift conversations away from appearance and toward identity• help girls build resilience after social setbacks• create a home environment that protects self-worthIf you’ve seen your once bold, expressive child become more hesitant, emotional, or self-critical, this episode will help you understand why — and show you how to gently guide her back toward self-trust.An empowering listen for parents, educators, and anyone who wants to help girls grow up grounded, confident, and secure in who they are.👀 Something Big Is Coming for Parents…We’re launching The Parent Coach — and trust us, you’re going to want this in your back pocket. More details soon!The 2026 ICP Parenting Summit is next month!Join us March 16–19 for 35+ expert masterclasses and four interactive half-day workshops, featuring leading voices like Ross Greene, Laura Markham, Robert Melillo, Lawrence Cohen, Kim John Payne, and Jon Fogel. We’ll be diving into the topics parents need most: screens, discipline, anxiety, emotional regulation, neurodiversity, resilience, play, and more.The summit is completely free, and VIP packages include lifetime access, toolkits, certificates, and a digital copy of The Parenting Handbook.Click here to save your seat!• how to repair and reconnect after the storm has passed• ways to build emotional skills so these explosions happen less oftenTammy and Tania share compassionate, practical strategies that help parents lead with steadiness instead of shame or punishment. You’ll walk away understanding how to hold boundaries while still protecting your connection — even in the hardest moments.If you’ve ever felt crushed, angry, or unsure what to do after hearing those words, this episode will help you see them differently and respond in a way that strengthens your relationship rather than strains it.A must-listen for parents raising emotionally healthy, resilient kids. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
