Navigating Social Media and the Impact on Children’s Self-Image

This week, Dr. Tracy is joined by Dr. Vanessa LaPointe, a clinical psychologist, author, international speaker, and mother, and together they discuss the effects of social media on children in this digital age and the importance of guiding conversations around it within the household. She shares the importance of fostering genuine connections, the stages of brain development in children, and the crucial role parents play in co-creating a healthy digital experience. Dr. LaPointe also shares valuable insights on maintaining discipline with a balance of firmness, compassion, and kindness and highlights effective tools and resources, such as the Dove Confidence Kit, to empower parents in guiding their children through the complexities of social media.    In this episode we discuss:  The desire for social connection and the surface-level engagement provided by social media  Concerns about the mental health of youth and the role of social media in isolation  Co-creating a positive online experience for children by teaching and modeling wise consumption  The Dove Confidence Kit as a tool for meaningful conversations about social media and resources for parents on self-image and self-esteem discussions  Balancing firmness, compassion, and kindness in disciplining children without shame or blame  Prioritizing family connections and moments of quality engagement over screen time    Episode Links:  You can find Dr. Vanessa LaPointe on Instagram and be sure to learn more about her work on her website!  Learn more about the Dove Confidence Kit HERE!  Stand up for #KidsOnlineSafety HERE.    You can pre-order my new book “I Didn’t Sign Up for This” here  Looking for more? Join me in my online teachings so you can feel like a team again.  Get intentional with your partner and reconnect with small actions every day with 28 Days of Love    Ready to learn how to repair? Take my FREE masterclass       Looking to improve your relationship? Join me in my online program, Be Connected      Deepen your Connection with your Partner: 100 Questions to Connect  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Om Podcasten

Welcome to Dear Dr. Tracy, the podcast that helps you navigate the everyday challenges of relationships, marriage, and parenting with expert advice and real, relatable conversations. Hosted by clinical psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, this podcast is your place for honest, no-nonsense guidance on love, intimacy, boundaries, and communication. With over 18 years of experience, Dr. Tracy brings a mix of clinical expertise, evidence-based research, and personal insights as a wife and mother to help you break unhealthy patterns and build stronger connections. Each week, Dr. Tracy answers the questions so many of us have but don’t always know how to ask—about resentment, desire, mental load, and how to truly feel like a team with your partner. She’s joined by fellow experts, real couples, and her husband Greg, who offers a down-to-earth perspective on the struggles so many relationships face. If you’re ready for actionable tools and heartfelt conversations that will help you create a relationship that feels fulfilling, this podcast is for you.