Building Trust in relationships is like building a bridge; it takes effort from both sides–mutual trust between you and the other person. And similar to a bridge, Trust is built on pillars, like Honesty, Integrity, and Consistency. Our actions can either strengthen or weaken the bridge of Trust, and at times our actions can even damage the bridge to the point that it needs major repair. So let’s examine those Trust pillars.
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To help you, I created a "Building Trust" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 110 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

I’m eager to share my interview with Nisha Glenn--an author and the founder of Educated Girls Rock!

Nisha utilizes the knowledge she gained from not only her education, but also her life experience, to connect with and encourage girls to get an education. We discussed why education is important, what obstacles prevent girls from graduating high school, and how her nonprofit Educated Girls Rock helps girls overcome these hurdles so they can pursue their potential.

Connect with Nisha Glenn on social media @educatedgirlsrock and learn more about Educated Girls Rock programs at educatedgirlsrock.org.

A full transcript of our conversation is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 109 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Can you believe we reached 100 episodes?! I’m beyond excited, I’m still pinching myself, but I’m also so incredibly proud of what we’ve created and accomplished together. Let's look back at our favorite episodes, the most-requested topics, and what's ahead for this podcast--like my goal to reach 1 MILLION downloads!
.   .   .
A full transcript and links to episodes I mentioned is in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 100 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Affirmations are positive, assertive statements about yourself using adjectives -- words that describe you! Affirmations don’t have to be complicated on lengthy, just simply say, “I am ______. What would you say you are? That’s where your strengths come in.

Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or any day of the year, you can practice self-love through affirmations by identifying your strengths and reminding yourself what you love about yourself. Remember, you are listening. So speak to yourself with love.
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To help you remember, go get your "Affirmations" printable in the 10 for Tweens Ep. 010 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Think of the most recent time you forgave someone, or someone forgave you. Briefly reflect on how you felt after the forgiveness was given, by you or someone else.

When I was younger, I was taught to “forgive and forget.” When someone apologized to me, I’d respond with, “It’s okay,” or “It’s fine,” and was expected to move on. But there’s a lot more to forgiveness.

The goal with forgiveness is to find peace within yourself.

.   .   .
To help you remember, go get your "Forgiveness" printable in the 10 for Tweens Ep. 009 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Think about your characteristics that set you apart from others. All of these things are part of you who you are, your unique identity.  And like singing different notes together, the things that make us different from each other create harmony in our world. You are the only YOU, and what makes you unique is wonderful.
.   .   .
To help you remember, snag your "be YOUnique" poster printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens ep. 008 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

I want to focus on something I feel is especially important right now, and will continue to be in your friendships, family relationships, and even interactions with people you don’t know. I want to talk about Empathy.

In this episode I'll discuss the difference between Empathy and Sympathy, explain what Empathy is (and what it isn't), and share tools to help you respond to others with empathy.
.   .   .
To help you remember, snag your "empathy" poster printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens ep. 007 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Have you ever made a goal and reached it? How about not reached it? That’s ok! I’ve been there, too. It’s okay if you set a goal and don’t quite get there. Growth isn’t dependent on whether you achieve a goal or not; it comes from working toward new habits, making positive changes, and strengthening a skill over time. The process builds character and resilience! But what if you could increase the likelihood that you’d succeed at reaching a goal? Let's find out!
.   .   .
To help you remember, snag your "SMART Goals" poster printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 006 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

In previous episodes, we’ve discussed topics and tools about learning how to respond instead of react and how to deal with craziness in life.

I’ve got another one for you, and it’s going to sound too easy, too simple to actually work, but I promise you it will make a difference. Want to know what it is? Take a deep breath. That’s it. Breathing. I know, it seems so basic!

In this episode I'll tell you how simply breathing can help you manage stress, and I'll focus on tools to help you breathe properly.
.   .   .
To help you remember, snag your "Just Breathe" poster printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 005 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

There’s a saying I’m sure you’ve heard before, it goes, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Or my cold weather version, “When life gives you cocoa powder, make hot chocolate!” Have you ever tasted a lemon? Or tried a tiny bit of baking cocoa or raw cacao? Lemons are sour! And cocoa powder is bitter. There is no sweetness to either of them. But thankfully, someone figured out that a spoonful of sugar changes how they taste.

So how can you notice what’s yellow when you’re surrounded by blue? How can you make metaphorical lemonade or hot chocolate?

In this episode I'll explore these questions and focus on some tools to help you:
- Choose Your Focus
- Be The Good
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To help you remember, snag your "Be The Good" printable in the 10 for Tweens Ep.004 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

The week this episode airs, we’re celebrating Thanksgiving in the US. But no matter what season it is, what kind of year or week or day you’ve had, you can still choose to have an attitude of gratitude. See what I did there?

Science has proven that  gratitude has positive effects. In this episode I'll explore its many benefits and focus on some tools to help you practice it:

- Say Thank You
- Notice - Think - Feel - Do
- Keep a Gratitude Journal -- plus a 10 for Tweens Tools Challenge!
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To help you remember, snag your "Gratitude Journal" page printable in the 10 for Tweens Ep.003 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

There’s a lot going on right now. And a lot of it is beyond your control, and that can feel difficult. But it's okay to feel. Learning to deal with change and let go of things that are out of your control is a skill you will use throughout your life.
.   .   .
To help you remember, snag your "I Can Control" poster printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 02 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

If there is just one thing you remember hearing me say, I hope it is this: “You. Are. Enough.”
.   .   .
Girls, I am thrilled you are here for the very first episode of 10 for Teens + Tweens!

If I could shout something from the mountaintops, it would be, "Girls, you are enough!" I chose that message because 1) it's true, and 2) sometimes we hear messages that say, "You are not enough." This is negative self-talk and, frankly, it stinks. So let's talk about the tools to help: challenging negative self-talk, and then reframing thoughts to positive self-talk.
.   .   .
To help you remember that you are enough, I created a "I Am Enough" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep.001 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

 Some people want to box you girls up to be someone you’re not. They do this by ...

• Stereotyping girls
• Labeling girls differently than boys
• Telling girls they can’t be good at or even do certain things
• Saying girls can’t pursue their dreams because they think girls should be something else
• Objecting to girls being two things at once

Girls, don’t get in the box.
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To help you, I created a "Don't Get In The Box" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 099 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

10 for Teens + Tweens helps girls grow curiosity, compassion, and confidence so you can take on the world! I’ll discuss positive themes and tackle tough topics, teaching you how to handle them. I’ll share guidance on personal development, physical and mental health, relationships, and media literacy.  I’m your host Stephanie Valdez–I’m a youth mentor, speaker, former journalist, and founder and director of Empowerful Girls. Check out more episodes, freebies, and the shop at EmpowerfulGirls.com.

There’s a topic that I’ve touched on multiple times, yet it keeps getting requested. So let’s do a whole episode on body image. We'll discuss how to shift from wanting to change our bodies to accepting our bodies. This can be a sensitive topic for some, and the last thing I want to do is make you feel worse. So when you feel ready to listen, I’ll be here.
.   .   .
To help you I put together a list of resources and related episodes in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 098 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

I’m thrilled to share my interview with Jen Swetzoff and Keeley McNamara, the editors of Anyway Magazine!

Jen and Keeley share how they created this magazine especially for tweens and teens, featuring articles by both experts and kids about teen culture, style, relationships, community, creativity, health, and wellbeing. Their greatest hope is that Anyway Magazine can help kids feel normal and understood as they grow up.

A full transcript of our conversation is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 097 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Connect with Anyway Magazine @AnywayMag, subscribe at AnywayMag.com (use code ANYWAY-15 for 15% off!)
email: hello@anywaymag.com

 If you’ve ever had an embarrassing moment, you’re in good company. They happen to everyone, so let’s help you learn how to get through them.
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To help you, I created an "I Survived My Embarrassing Moments" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 096 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

In case it’s hard to remember or believe sometimes, I wanted to remind you: You Are Still Enough.

Every day you get a barrage of negative messages from external sources that say, "You are NOT enough." In this episode, I want to help you grow a strong sense of self so you can withstand these messages and keep believing that You Are Still Enough.
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Nearly three and a half years ago I launched this podcast, and the very first message I shared with you was You Are Enough. That episode 001 just reached an incredible milestone, thanks to you girls. More than 100,000 times, a girl has heard that message, You Are Enough. And that’s amazing.

I’ve received a lot of feedback on that episode, and I can tell that girls really need to hear this message especially. So I’m excited to tell you, I’m now speaking to youth groups and at middle and high schools to keep spreading this message: You Are Enough.
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To help you, I created a "You Are Still Enough" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 095 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

I’ll be exploring relationship red flags in this episode, and while this topic is sensitive and can get heavy, I think it’s really important to talk about so you girls can recognize the signs and get help sooner.
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A full transcript of this episode is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 094 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Whenever you feel lonely, I hope you’ll listen to this episode. Because you are not alone.
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To help you, I created a "You Are Not Alone" poster and worksheet. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 093 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

I’m excited to share my interview with Chelsey Goodan, author of this book, “Underestimated: The Wisdom and Power of Teenage Girls.”

One quick note: this book was written about teen girls and is geared toward them and their parents. While our interview doesn’t discuss anything sensitive in detail, tween listeners should keep that in mind.

Chelsey's book shares teen girls' collective wisdom on topics like perfectionism, sexuality, people pleasing, identity, friends, self-doubt, the media, beauty, shame, and power. It is a much-needed resource for today's parents and teen girls.

A full transcript of our conversation is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 092 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Connect with Chelsea and check out her books:
@ChelseyGoodan
ChelseyGoodan.com

You know I’m a hype girl for you girls. Along with that, I will also fiercely defend you. There’s been a lot of noise lately about tween and teen girls’ fixations. I’ve seen posts, articles, and videos criticizing and even mocking girls for being curious about, interested in, and even obsessed with certain things. And I’m not okay with it. So I’m sticking up for you.
.   .   .
A full transcript of this episode is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 091 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Even if it’s the middle of the school year when you listen to this, I want to share my best advice  that can help you all year long.

It all stems off these two words: Own It. This was inspired by my dear friends and fellow girl empowerers, Jill and Mary at Girls Mentorship. I was able to tag along for a week of their Pursue More Summer Camps in Arizona–which were truly transformative BTW. One of the days we focused on Ownership, which is being accountable for your responsibilities, your choices, and your behavior. Let’s explore Own It together.
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To help you, I created a "Own It" worksheet. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 108 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Habits are a huge part of our lives, and making or breaking them can be tricky, so I’ve got a few tools to help you switch up your habits.
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To help you, I created a "Habits" poster and worksheet. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 090 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

 Several of you requested an episode on clashing with parents. Guest Brooke Romney, a teen and tween parenting author, offers valuable insight on how both girls and their parents can strengthen their relationship.

A full transcript of our conversation is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 089 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Connect with Brooke and check out her books:
@BrookeRomneyWrites
BrookeRomney.com

Trends come and go, and they can be fun, but there are some troubles with trends. Here are a few tips to help you stay mindful through trend cycles.
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To help you, I created a "Trends" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 088 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

Organization and cleaning have not been my strong suits, but I’ve learned to strengthen those skills and want to help you girls do the same! So here are my organization and cleaning tips as someone who is not naturally good at it.
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To help you, I created a "Organization + Cleaning" worksheet. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 087 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

Breakups can be tough whether you’re the one initiating the breakup or the one getting broken up with. Let’s discuss how to–and not to–handle a breakup before, during, and afterward.
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To help you, I created a "Breakups Breakdown" worksheet. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 086 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

Has the new year got you thinking about events coming up or things you hope will happen? Perhaps you’re looking forward to it, or maybe you feel uncertain about something, or worried, even anxious. Facing the future doesn’t have to leave you stressed out, though. Let’s talk about effective ways you can mindfully respond to stress in the moment.
.   .   .
To help you, I created a "Future" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 085 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

At the end of every year or beginning of a new one, people often remember all the memories, goals, and things that happened that year. Sometimes when we look back on past experiences, we might get caught up in what didn’t happen, or the stuff we didn’t do, or the goals we didn’t reach. This negative pattern of thinking can lead to rumination, which is like letting your mind replay clips of negative thoughts, feelings, and moments, stuck on repeat. Let's explore more effective ways to reflect so you can move forward with positive motivation.
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To help you, I created a "2023 Year Reflection" worksheet. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 084 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

Raise your hand if you, like me, ever took a trip and realized you forgot to bring something! Hopefully it all worked out or there was a lesson learned and not repeated. You’re at an age where you have more autonomy over your stuff, your style, and your routines. When you have an upcoming vacation or holiday, perhaps YOU would rather prepare and pack your things instead of having your parents or older sibling take care of it. One of you gals requested this topic, so to help you be less intimidated by taking over this responsibility, or maybe if you’re already doing it to help you be more efficient, I’ll share some tips on vacay and holiday prep.
.   .   .
To help you, I created a "Packing Checklist" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 083 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

Have you ever heard of national security? A few things may come to mind--like top secret government agents--but it's much more expansive than that. In our conversation, expert Lauren Bean Buitta discusses what national security is and how her non-profit Girl Security educates and elevates girls in national security.

A full transcript of our conversation is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 082 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Have you ever been in a scenario when someone makes a comment that catches you off guard and you don’t know how to respond? You don't have to join an argument or allow people to talk at you without listening to or considering you. You're allowed to hold your boundaries. I think it’s important for you to have language for these situations. Here are some suggestions for what to say when stuff like that happens.
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To help you, I created a "What To Say When" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 081 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

I’m thrilled to share my interview with Lexie Polevoi--an advocate for girls in STEM.

Lexie empowers girls to develop their STEM skills through after-school enrichment programs and workshops. We discussed the need for girls in STEM, what prevents girls from pursuing STEM interests, and what can help girls overcome those hurdles.

Connect with Lexie Polevoi at @learnwithmslexie and learn more about her programs at https://www.learnwithmslexie.com/

A full transcript of our conversation is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 107 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

This week I celebrated the podcast’s third birthday! I want to tell you about how we got here and the thing that made the biggest difference over the past three years of doing this podcast -- consistency!
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To help you, I created a "Consistency is Key" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 080 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

Parents often remind kids to say “Thank you,” but maybe next time instead of rolling your eyes at them, you could consider that your parents might be on to something. I want to tell you about the importance of saying “Thank you” and the impact it can have on you and others.
.   .   .
To help you, snag your "Thank You Cards" printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 079 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Babysitting can be a great job for a tween or teen. You can have a flexible schedule, negotiate good pay, play with kids, and there are likely multiple opportunities near you.  I’ve got a lot of babysitting tips to share, as well as feedback from parents about their babysitters.
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To help you, I created a "Babysitting Tips" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 078 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

October 11 is the International Day of the Girl, a day to celebrate girls’ achievements, recognize the challenges girls face, and empower girls to take action.  Despite the multiple hurdles that still remain in the path of girls’ progress, girls and women move forward--let me tell you how.
.   .   .
To help you, I created a "Girs Are . . ." poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 077 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

Sometimes shopping for clothes can be kind of frustrating. I'm here to tell you: it's not you; it's the clothes. There's a lot of history behind it, and I also have some suggestions to help you have a better shopping experience.
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To help you, I created a "It's Not You; It's the Clothes" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 076 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

Have you ever hesitated to ask for help, or even struggled with it? I think a lot of people, girls especially, feel conflicted about asking for help, no matter what the issue is. I brainstormed reasons we don’t ask for help, the hurdles that block our path forward. I want to explore these hurdles first so we can identify effective ways to get over them.
.   .   .
To help you, I created a "How to Ask for Help" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 075 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

Comparison: it's a trap! Our natural tendency is to compare ourselves to others, so how can we shift away from it toward confidence? Let's find out together.
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To help you, I created a "What Would Happen If Girls Stopped Comparing Themselves?" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 074 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

Active listening is a skill that is becoming more rare, not as many people are developing it, which in turn causes more confusion and conflict. Active listening is more than just hearing someone, it’s trying to understand them as you communicate together. Let's explore how to practice it.
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To help you, I created an "Active Listening" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 073 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Even if it’s the middle of the school year when you listen to this, I want to share my best advice  that can help you all year long:

• Allow Yourself to Fail
• Make Time Every Day to Disconnect from Tech
• Remember Your Worth
.   .   .
To help you, I created a "Best  Advice for This School Year" poster. Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 072 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Do you like to craft, create or make things? Check out my interview with Jennifer Andrews, founder of Treppie, an online makers marketplace for girls and young women. 
In our conversation, Jennifer discusses how Treppie educates and empowers girls through entrepreneurship.

A full transcript of our conversation is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 071 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Have you watched any of this Summer’s Olympic Games? Oh my goodness it’s been unbelievable watching the very top athletes from all over the world compete at their sport. On social media I’ve seen a joke saying each Olympic event should have an average person compete so we can see just how skilled these athletes are compared to the rest of us. While we might not ever make it to the Olympics, there are plenty of lessons we can learn from those who have been to the Olympics.
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To help you, I created a "Lessons from Olympics." Get your printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 106 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com. 

Since Barbie is trending, learn about the history and messaging–both good and bad–behind the iconic doll.

As a content warning, I will be mentioning disordered eating.
.   .   .

A full transcript and sources for this episode is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 070 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

AI seems to be part of everything around us. Here are my biggest AI concerns and what you can do about them.

• AI + Social Media Algorithms
• AI + Fake Content
• AI + You

.   .   .

To help you, snag your "Be Aware of AI" printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 069 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Even though trolls are part of our digital world doesn’t mean you have to put up with them. Let's discuss how to deal with trolls.
.   .   .

To help you, snag your "How to Deal with Trolls Flowchart" printable in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 068 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

Are you looking to earn some money, saving up to buy something, or wanting work experience? I’ve got a bunch job ideas for tweens and teens! I'd love to hear what you're doing for work, too!
.   .   .

A full transcript of this episode is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 067 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.