Ask the Expert: My Teenage Daughter Constantly Seeks Validation From Others. How Can I Help Her Develop a Healthy Sense of Self-Worth?

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Ask the Expert: My Teenage Daughter Constantly Seeks Validation From Others. How Can I Help Her Develop a Healthy Sense of Self-Worth?

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In every issue of the ‘hood Magazine, we ask local experts questions that are helpful for our community! This Ask the Expert was printed in the September/October 2025 Issue of ‘hood. Check out the full digital issue at the link!

Question: My teenage daughter constantly seeks validation from others. How can I help her develop a healthy sense of self-worth?

You can support her with these intentional strategies:

1. Encourage internal reflection. When she looks for approval, gently ask, “How do you feel about how you did?” to shift focus inward. If she feels good about her performance, you can say something like “You should feel so proud.”

2. Affirm her character. Praise qualities like resilience, kindness, or honesty—not just performance or appearance.

3. Limit comparison triggers. Create screen-free moments that promote authentic connection and self-discovery.

Self-worth is built when girls learn to value who they are, not just how others respond to them. For more tools to empower your daughter, visit TheEmpoweredGirlsCoach.com.

Empowered Coaching, LLC, d.b.a.

Molly W. Christianson

Coach, Speaker, and Author

TheEmpoweredGirlsCoach.com & EmpoweredCoaching.com

605.360.1759

About The Author

thehoodmagazine

The 'Hood Magazine, the Sioux Empire's parenting resource. We have been around for over 12 years now, and parents in Sioux Falls and surrounding areas trust us. So when you are looking for a way to reach families, parents, or mom’s and dad’s ages 25-50, The ‘hood Magazine has YOUR audience’s attention. This is why we enjoy partnering with you, because we want to let The ‘hood Magazine has been around for over 12 years now, and parents in Sioux Falls and surrounding areas trust us. After all, we are the Sioux Empire’s Family Resource. But in those 12 years, much has changed. We’re printing 10,000 copies each issue, and those are going home in backpacks around the area and available in the local stores and businesses. Our print issues are still going strong and aren’t going away anytime soon, but our digital presence and reach has grown. Our website, social pages, and email blasts reach thousands. So when you are looking for a way to reach families, parents, or mom’s and dad’s ages 25-50, The ‘hood Magazine has YOUR audience’s attention. This is why we enjoy partnering with you, because we want to let parents know what is happening in the area and available for their family.