Episode 17: The Unspoken Pressure Why Our Kids Are Exhausted From Pretending They’re Okay Is your child actually okay…or have they just become very good at acting like they are? In this episode of Raising Her Confidence, Kim explores a pressure many kids carry quietly, the pressure to perform, to stay strong, and to look fine even when they’re overwhelmed inside. Building on the previous episode, The Invisible Reset, this conversation goes deeper, beyond nervous system overload, into emotional masking, identity protection, and why so many kids hide what they’re really feeling, even at home. Kim shares why unmasking is not quick or spontaneous, how many layers of masking teens are already carrying by early adolescence, and why telling kids “you can talk to me” often isn’t enough. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why emotional masking is at an all-time high in teens and tweens How many “masks” kids are actually wearing and why they exist The subtle signs your child may be struggling beneath “I’m fine” Why calming a child and creating emotional safety are not the same thing How moms can reduce the pressure to perform without forcing conversations What actually helps kids loosen the mask, slowly, safely, over time Kim also shares a personal connection to this topic through her chapter “Removing Your Mask” from the international bestselling book Step Into Your Brave, and why this message matters now more than ever for the next generation. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering:“Why won’t my child open up?”“Why do they say they’re fine when my gut tells me otherwise?” This episode will help you see what’s really happening and how to respond with clarity, steadiness, and compassion. Here is the link to Vault with the latest resources -https://powerwithinmovement.com/the-vault/  

Any time your family feels overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in old patterns, it’s a sign a reset is needed. In this episode of Raising Her Confidence, Kim Mittelstadt introduces a powerful, non-traditional approach to helping teens reset, not by changing habits or pushing motivation, but by shifting the emotional atmosphere of the home. You’ll learn why teens resist traditional resets, how emotional safety and energy shape behavior, and how simple mentor-style questions can help your teen build confidence and trust themselves without pressure or nagging. This episode is especially helpful for parents navigating: overwhelmed or stressed teens motivation struggles social shifts or friendship challenges emotional shutdown or resistance major transitions or new seasons ✨ Free Resource:Download the Invisible Reset Guide for Moms inside the Power Within Vault, a gentle 7-day rhythm to help you reset the emotional climate of your home anytime it’s needed.

Every mom feels that emotional shift the moment kids come home from school break.Whether it’s winter break, summer vacation, spring break, or even a long weekend home from college, kids of all ages often return acting different. Moodier. Quieter. Irritable. Overwhelmed. Detached. Or simply… “off.” This emotional transition isn’t random, it’s a real psychological and nervous-system response. And when moms don’t understand what’s happening, school breaks can become stressful and full of conflict instead of peaceful and connected. In this grounding and eye-opening episode, Kim Mittelstadt breaks down The Coming Home Shift™ why kids change the minute routine stops and how to help them re-regulate, reconnect, and reset without power struggles, guilt, or frustration. You’ll learn: ✨ Why your child’s mood and energy shift after school break✨ The “freedom-to-structure whiplash” no one warns parents about✨ How comparison, social pressure, academics, and peer dynamics affect BOTH boys and girls✨ Signs your child is overwhelmed, overstimulated, or emotionally shutdown✨ What to do when your teen withdraws, snaps, or avoids family time✨ How to stay calm and emotionally neutral when emotions run high✨ Simple connection rituals that rebuild trust and communication✨ Practical ways to create a peaceful, grounded home environment✨ How to support preteens, teens, and young adults during ANY transition This episode is perfect for moms navigating: teen mood swings college kids returning home emotional dysregulation family tension during school breaks sibling conflict connection challenges parenting stress nervous system overload independence vs. house rules If you want to understand your child’s behavior on a deeper level — and learn how to keep your home calm, connected, and emotionally safe — this episode will give you the tools you need. ⭐ FREE BONUS: Access the Coming Home Reset™ Cheat Sheet inside the Power Within Movement™ Vault, your quick, confidence-building guide to helping kids decompress, regulate, and reconnect after any school break. https://powerwithinmovement.com/the-vault/ ⭐ This episode is ideal for: Moms of preteens, teens, and young adults who want practical parenting tools, emotional regulation strategies, and insights to build a more peaceful, connected home.

When your daughter feels overwhelmed, withdrawn, or emotionally drained, it can leave you wondering how to help her recover not just quickly, but deeply.In this powerful episode, Kim breaks down what emotional resilience really looks like for today’s teen girls and young women, and how moms can guide their daughters through disappointment, stress, and setbacks without losing connection. You’ll learn the surprising signs that your daughter may be emotionally overloaded, the neuroscience behind resilience, and the three foundational tools every girl needs to rebuild inner strength. Kim introduces a brand-new framework The Resilience Cycle to help moms support recovery without rescuing, rushing, or “fixing.” Whether your daughter is facing friend drama, school stress, emotional burnout, or simply a tough season, this episode will show you how to help her rise again with confidence, grounded identity, and emotional stability. ✨ In this episode, you’ll discover: The hidden signs your daughter is emotionally overloaded What happens inside the teen brain during stress or disappointment Why emotional exhaustion is more common than ever The three foundations every girl needs to rebuild resilience The Resilience Cycle and how to use it at home What moms should avoid when supporting emotional recovery A simple nightly ritual that strengthens emotional regulation How your presence becomes your daughter’s emotional anchor 💛 Perfect for moms who want to: Strengthen their relationship with their teen or tween Help their daughter handle stress without shutting down Teach emotional regulation and healthy coping skills Build confidence from the inside out Feel more calm, grounded, and equipped as a parent Raising a confident teen isn’t about preventing every heartbreak it’s about giving her the tools to rise after them.This episode will remind you that emotional resilience isn’t built in the easy moments.It’s built in the quiet, steady, ordinary days where you choose presence over pressure, connection over control, and compassion over quick fixes. Your daughter doesn’t need you to be perfect.She needs you to be present, grounded, and willing to walk with her as she becomes stronger than she ever realized. This episode is your guide to doing exactly that.

So many of today’s kids, not all, but many are quietly drowning in the need to be liked, accepted, and chosen. And when that validation disappears, some of them don’t know how to stand, how to cope, or how to regulate the emotions that come rushing in. In this powerful episode, Kim Mittelstadt speaks directly to the heart of a growing crisis affecting teens and young adults: the emotional fallout of external validation. You’ll learn why rejection feels catastrophic to so many teens, why emotional regulation has become a lost skill, and how five years of post-pandemic social shifts have intensified anxiety, comparison, and loneliness. Kim shares the deeply personal story of her own daughter’s struggle with bullying, emotional collapse, and the night everything changed and how their family fought their way back to healing. With raw honesty and gentle guidance, she explains what our kids are missing, what they’re truly asking for, and how moms can step into a new role using her signature Power Shift Theory™. If you’ve ever felt helpless watching your child crumble under pressure, pull away, or chase approval from the wrong places, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening beneath the surface and what you can do today to anchor your child in true, unshakeable worth. In this episode you’ll learn: Why external validation has become the new emotional currency The connection between teen rejection, anger, shutdown, and self-harm How the pandemic changed social development and emotional literacy The real reason boys and girls express pain differently The missing skill every teen needs to survive disappointment How to shift from Protector → Mentor → Supporter using the Power Shift Theory™ Simple ways to model internal confidence and emotional calm in your home Go deeper:Unlock ongoing support, tools, and resources inside the Her Power Within™ Vault  exclusively for moms committed to raising emotionally strong, grounded, confident kids.  💗 Real talk. Real tools. For moms raising kids in a high-pressure world.

If conversations with your teen feel tense, one-sided, or emotionally draining, this episode will help you rebuild trust, one calm, connected moment at a time. In this powerful, heart-centered episode, Kim Mittelstadt, mom of six and founder of the "Power Within Movement™"  reveals the communication shifts every mom needs to reconnect with her daughter and create emotional safety at home.Instead of more tension, shutdowns, or eye-rolling, you’ll learn how to speak in a way your daughter can actually hear. 💬 In this episode, you’ll discover: • Why your daughter suddenly stops listening  and how to rebuild safety so she lets you back in• The secret to moving from Protector to Mentor using Kim’s signature Power Shift Theory™• The 3 Keys to Bridge-Building Communication that instantly lower defensiveness• Simple, repeatable Bridge Phrases™ that soften conflict and open the door to connection• The 5-Minute Connection Method  a daily ritual that helps even the busiest moms rebuild trust ✨ Perfect for:Moms raising tween or teen girls who feel like they’re losing connection and want to create a home where conversations feel peaceful, safe, and meaningful again. 💗 This episode is your guide to reconnecting: not through perfect words, but through calm, intentional presence. Join our facebook group for moms - https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerwithinmoms Visit our "Power Within Vault" for resources, tools and tips - Power Within Vault

You ever notice how some days just feel loud?Not the kind of loud that comes from sound but from energy.The endless notifications, the mood swings, the comparison, the pressure to keep up for both you and your daughter. She’s growing up in a world that never stops talking, a world that feeds anxiety, self-doubt, and constant performance.And when her nervous system is overloaded, yours usually is too. That’s why today’s episode is one every mom needs, “Be the Calm: Helping Your Daughter Find Peace When the World Feels Loud.” We’re talking about emotional regulation, nervous system balance, and the power of a mother’s energy to bring peace into the home.Because your calm is more than a mood, it’s medicine.When you learn to stay grounded through the chaos, you don’t just change the atmosphere in your home you change the story your daughter tells herself about who she is.  Check out the Vault for free resources www.teenimageacademy.com Join our Facebook group for moms - https://www.facebook.com/groups/supportformomsofteendaughters 

Have you ever stood in front of your closet, tried on five outfits, and thought, “Nothing looks good on me”?You’re not alone, and neither is your daughter. In this episode of Raising Her Confidence, Kim pulls back the curtain on one of the most powerful tools from the world of personal style: illusion dressing. This isn’t about hiding or changing your body. It’s about harmony, proportion, and balance, learning how lines, lengths, and fabrics work with your shape instead of against it.Because when you understand how clothes are designed, you stop criticizing your body and start dressing with intention and confidence. You’ll learn:✨ Why “nothing looks good on me” is never the truth and how to reframe it.✨ The stylist’s secret to using proportion and length to create balance and polish.✨ How to stop the cycle of body-blame and model self-kindness in front of your daughter.✨ A real-life transformation story that shows how the right clothes can change more than your look, they can change your outlook. By the end of this episode, you’ll see illusion dressing not as fashion fluff, but as a confidence skill, something you can model, teach, and pass down.Because when moms dress with confidence, daughters learn it.And that’s a gift that lasts a lifetime.

Color has power!  it shapes how we feel, how we show up, and even how we see ourselves. In this episode of Raising Her Confidence, Kim dives into the comeback of personal color analysis and why discovering your natural palette is about so much more than style. It’s about aligning color, personality, and authenticity and helping both moms and daughters feel comfortable, radiant, and confident in their own skin. You’ll hear how: Your style personality and color choices are deeply connected and why wearing colors that don’t fit your energy can leave you feeling off. Color apps might point you in the right direction, but a trained stylist can reveal the deeper harmony that transforms how you dress and how you feel. And how learning your unique color family can help you (and your daughter) rediscover confidence that looks natural and feels real. This isn’t about trends or standing out. It’s about discovering your glow, the kind that can’t be faked.

In this heartfelt episode of Raising Her Confidence, Kim introduces the Final Shift—the often-missed stage of parenting that begins when our kids start living more independently and needing us less day-to-day. Whether you’re parenting teens, launching college students, or navigating life with adult children, this conversation will bring you comfort, clarity, and a new framework for staying close—even as you let go. You’ll learn: What it means to become your child’s Trusted Anchor Why continuing to “parent” adult children can unintentionally push them away How to build emotional safety and mutual respect in this new stage of life What your grown kids really want from you (hint: it’s not more advice) This episode is a loving guide for every mom who’s ever asked:“How do I let go… without losing the bond?”

Ever find yourself replaying the same conversation, moment, or regret wishing you could go back and do it differently? In this episode of Raising Her Confidence, Kim unpacks the concept of emotional loops... those invisible, unresolved thoughts that keep circling in your mind and quietly shaping how you parent. These loops often begin in moments of guilt, fear, or misunderstanding… and unless we learn how to close them, they can stay open for years draining our peace and confidence. You’ll discover:• What emotional loops are and why moms are especially vulnerable to them• How unhealed loops cause you to parent from fear instead of confidence• The subtle signs you’re stuck in a loop and how to finally break free• Five powerful tools to release the past, feel lighter, and show up as the calm, grounded mom your daughter needs If you’ve been feeling emotionally heavy, easily triggered, or weighed down by old patterns, this episode offers hope, healing, and a new path forward. Because when you learn to let go of what no longer serves you, you create space for your daughter to rise with clarity, connection, and confidence.

In this powerful episode, Kim shares a simple but life-changing tool that helps moms and daughters protect their energy, set emotional boundaries, and stay calm in overwhelming situations. Learn how to use The Invisible Bubble—a visual, mindset-based practice to help you pause before reacting, respond with intention, and model healthy boundaries in everyday life. From handling strong personalities to diffusing teen drama, Kim shares real-life stories (including how her 9-year-old used this tool and how it helped a client face an aggressive ex) to show how effective this practice really is. You’ll learn: How to teach your daughter to protect her peace without being rude What to say when you feel emotionally overwhelmed or drained Why pausing before reacting builds lasting self-esteem Whether your daughter struggles with friendship drama or you're juggling high-stress days yourself, this episode offers a calming reset—and a confidence boost for both of you.

Want to help your teen daughter feel confident every time she gets dressed? In this episode, I’ll show you how just 9 clothing pieces can create 27+ stylish outfits she’ll actually love to wear. We’ll use a simple capsule wardrobe approach to mix and match for endless combinations — and I’ll share how to add seasonal pops of color, trendy items, and versatile pieces that expand her options all year long. This isn’t just about fashion — it’s about teaching her creativity, intentional shopping habits, and how to build a wardrobe that reflects her personality and boosts her confidence.

When your teen daughter starts pulling away, it’s easy to wonder, is this rebellion, or just part of growing up? The truth is, there’s a difference between respect built on fear and respect built on trust. In this episode of Raising Her Confidence, Kim Mittelstadt explains why teens pull away, how to respond without fueling rebellion, and how to use the Power Shift Theory™ to keep your daughter’s heart close. You’ll learn why acknowledgment in small moments matters more than big talks, how to replace ‘No, but…’ with ‘Yes, and…,’ and how communication builds true confidence in your teen daughter. If you’ve been craving practical tools to strengthen respect, rebuild trust, and keep your connection strong through the teen years, this episode is for you.

Is your teen daughter struggling to make friends or feel included? In this episode, we’ll cover practical strategies to help her build confidence, start conversations, and create genuine connections that last. Learn how to guide her in defining the kind of friend she wants to be, using the simple Compliment + Curiosity = Connection formula, and practicing the 5 and 5 Challenge to grow social courage. We’ll also talk about handling rejection, ghosting, and being left out — without letting it crush her self-worth. Whether your teen is shy, anxious, or just wants stronger friendships, these tools will help her attract healthy relationships and feel confident in her own skin.

Episode 1: The Turning Point – From Mom-Worry to Raising a Confident Daughter In this first episode of Raising Her Confidence, I’m taking you behind the scenes to share the moment everything shifted—not just for me, but for how I showed up as a mom. I wasn’t disconnected. I was there. But even with all my love, I still felt helpless watching my daughter quietly struggle with confidence, body image, and anxiety in a world obsessed with perfection. It wasn’t one big moment—it was years of small ones that taught me how to truly support her from the inside out. In this personal story, you’ll hear: The emotional turning point that shaped my mission to help moms raise strong, confident daughters Why traditional advice often falls short when your daughter is silently battling low self-esteem How I went from reactive worry to intentional parenting with clarity, connection, and purpose Why this podcast was born—for moms like you, walking the same road Whether your daughter is struggling with self-worth, comparison, or just pulling away, this episode will remind you: you’re not alone, and there is a way forward that builds her confidence—and strengthens your connection. 🎧 Tune in to start your own turning point.

Are you a mom worried about your daughter’s confidence, self-esteem, or the pressure she’s facing in today’s world? Welcome to Raising Her Confidence—the podcast that gives moms real tools and heartfelt guidance to support teen and tween girls through body image struggles, self-doubt, and social pressure. If you're searching for ways to strengthen your mom-daughter relationship, improve communication, and raise a strong, self-assured daughter in the age of social media and perfection culture—you're in the right place. In this trailer, you’ll get a preview of what to expect each week:✔️ Expert-backed strategies for building teen self-esteem✔️ Real talk about anxiety, body image, and confidence✔️ Connection tools to help you parent with intention✔️ Encouragement to help you feel grounded and empowered as her mom Because behind every confident girl is a mom who decided to lead with love, clarity, and strength. Hit follow and join us for honest conversations, breakthrough insights, and the confidence-building journey your daughter—and you—deserve.

In this episode of Raising Her Confidence, Kim introduces her signature Power Shift Theory™ — a game-changing framework that helps moms raise confident, resilient daughters without losing connection along the way. You’ll learn about the 3 essential parenting roles every mom must move through: Protector, Mentor, and Supporter — and how staying stuck in the wrong one can lead to conflict, disconnection, or shutdown. With powerful personal stories from raising six kids, real-life examples of both mistakes and breakthroughs, and deeply practical advice, Kim walks you through: When to let go of control (and what to do instead) How to guide your daughter without pushing her away Why your own emotional shift is the key to her self-trust If you’ve ever wondered “Am I doing too much—or not enough?” this episode will give you the clarity, confidence, and connection tools you’ve been looking for. Because raising a confident daughter starts with one powerful shift: the one inside you.