Discover the shocking truth about the toxic achievement culture and its impact on children’s well-being. Join author Jennifer B. Wallace as she uncovers the devastating consequences of prioritizing achievements over mattering.ย Jennifer is the author of the new book Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-What We Can Do About It.
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Just as our children need to be loved unconditionally by us, to be seen and known for the unique people they are at their core, away from their achievements, the adults in their lives also need to be surrounded by people who remind them of their worth when they’re feeling down.
jennifer b. wallace
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Listen Notes, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube below.
Enjoy!
Unlocking the Power of Mattering: How It Transforms Children’s Well-being – Jennifer B. Wallace
Jennifer B. Wallace introduces ‘mattering’ – understanding oneself as a valued being, significant to others around. High levels of mattering reduce stress, fortify against anxiety, and make it easier to deal with failures. When children experience this feeling of value and importance within their families, schools, and communities, they are better equipped to withstand life’s pressures and challenges.
The conversation revolves around the impact of achievement pressure on children’s lives and the concept of mattering. Jennifer shares her surprising experience with her book going viral and receiving widespread attention, which motivated her to delve deeper into the issue.
Jennifer B. Wallace’s journey to understanding the concept of ‘mattering’ was nothing short of enlightening. She initially observed a strange shift in the dynamics of her children’s upbringing, a stark contrast to her own. Puzzled, she penned an article for The Washington Post, revealing the alarming statistic that students in high-achieving schools were at risk of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorder. The article resonated with parents nationwide, urging Jennifer to dig deeper.
Unearthing the Hidden Consequences of Toxic Achievement Culture
The episode unravels the unspoken effects of the toxic achievement culture on children’s mental health. Intense performance pressure prevents children from realizing their true identities, consequently leading to feelings of emptiness and demotivation. This emphasis on achievement hampers the growth of young individuals, restricting them from contributing meaningfully to their own lives and the world at large.
Join us in this insightful conversation as we understand what it really takes to raise healthy achievers.
In this episode, you will discover how to:
- Unearth the hidden consequences of our toxic achievement culture on children’s mental health.
- Absorb the significance of ‘mattering’ as pivotal in ensuring the psychological well-being of children.
- Appreciate the indispensable role that parents and caregivers play in fostering resilience and offering support to children.
- Challenge the societal norm that equates human worth with achievements.
- Recognize the necessity of shifting our priorities, focussing more on the well-being of children over their achievements.
- And much, much more!
- Have any questions, comments, or stories youโd like to share? Drop us a line at [email protected]!
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More From My Conversation with Jennifer B. Wallace on the Consequences of Prioritizing Achievements Over Mattering
In this episode of the Passion Struck podcast, host John R. Miles interviews Jennifer B. Wallace, author of the book The Toxic Achievement Culture: How Pressure on Children to Succeed Is Hurting Them, And What Parents Can Do About It.
The conversation revolves around the impact of achievement pressure on children’s lives and the concept of mattering. Jennifer shares her surprising experience with her book going viral and receiving widespread attention, which motivated her to delve deeper into the issue. She conducted a parenting survey with over 6,500 parents responding, demonstrating that achievement pressure is a nationwide concern.
Through her interviews, she discovered 15 commonalities among healthy achievers, one of which is the concept of mattering. Jennifer found that children who thrived had a high level of mattering within their families, schools, and communities. Their achievements did not define their self-worth, serving as a protective shield against stress and anxiety.
The conversation also explores the impact of mattering on adults and raises concerns about society’s prioritization of materialistic goals over caring relationships. By listening to this episode, parents and caregivers can gain valuable insights on prioritising their children’s well-being and cultivating a sense of mattering in their lives, ultimately helping them navigate challenges and find true worth and significance.
In this episode of the Passion Struck podcast, host John R. Miles interviews Jennifer B. Wallace, an author and researcher, about the pressures and mental health crises faced by young people today. Jennifer shares her insights on how the push for achievement is directly contributing to childhood suffering.
Jennifer conducted interviews and surveys with young adults who expressed a sense of meaninglessness in their lives due to excessive achievement pressure. The conversation highlights the importance of developing an authentic sense of self and understanding one’s true identity, which is hindered by constant messages prioritizing achievement. The concept of mattering emerges as a central theme, with Jennifer emphasizing that children who thrived had a high level of mattering.
Never enough: A Book on toxic achievement culture
Jennifer initially observed a strange shift in the dynamics of her children’s upbringing, a stark contrast to her own. Puzzled, she penned an article for The Washington Post, revealing the alarming statistic that students in high-achieving schools were at risk of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorder. The article resonated with parents nationwide, urging Jennifer to dig deeper.
She embarked on a cross-country expedition, interviewing families to understand the root cause. This investigation led her to discover that children who felt valued for who they were, irrespective of their achievements, were the ones who thrived despite the pressures. Ensuring a child’s well-being directly depends on the parents’ and caregivers’ resilience and mental health.
It was a profound realization; the feeling of ‘mattering’ was pivotal for children and adults.
Jennifer B. Wallace’s path to understanding ‘mattering’ was initiated by a curious observation of her children’s lives. Intrigued, she delved into these stark differences between her upbringing and theirs.
She penned her observations in an article for The Washington Post, bringing to light that students in high-achieving schools were at risk of mental health disorders. The article struck a chord with parents across the nation, compelling Jennifer to explore further. She embarked on a nationwide quest, interviewing families from different backgrounds.
Her insights led her to realize that children who felt valued for who they were, irrespective of their achievements, were the ones thriving amidst pressures. A child’s well-being was directly linked to the mental health and resilience of the adults in their lives. This revelation was profound. The feeling of ‘mattering’ was crucial not just for the children but also for the adults.
Say Thanks Toย Jennifer B. Wallace
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Resources From The Showย with Jennifer B. Wallace
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- Purchase Jennifer B. Wallace’s book Never Enough to gain valuable insights and practical solutions to addressing toxic achievement culture.
- Visit Jennifer B. Wallace’s personal website to learn more about her work and stay updated on her latest projects and articles.
- Check out Passion Struck, the podcast where Jennifer B. Wallace was interviewed, to listen to the full conversation and gain further insights on creating an intentional life.
- Share the insights from Jennifer B. Wallace’s book and the Passion Struck podcast with friends
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- Share this episode with your friends, family, and colleagues who could benefit from learning how to ask for what they want and need in life. Spread the power of asking and helping others unlock their potential.
- Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform, such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify, to let us know how this episode resonated with you and to help others
Catch my interview with Dr. Caroline Leaf on Parenting or a Healthy and Confident Mind.
- Episode 256 on Unleash Your Creativity: The Benefits of Creative Expression
- Episode 145 on why your micro choices determine your life
- Episode 102 on how your environment influences who you become.
- Episode 193 on the importance of changing your perception
- Episode 139 on how you become what you think about
- Episode 208 on the power of forgiveness.
- Episode 110 on strengthening your relationship with your best self
- Episode 133 on why accepting yourself is key
- Episode 142, on why to emotionally heal, you must feel
- Episode 124 on work-life balance
- Episode 108 on creating healthy habits
- Episode 118 on the importance of empathy
- Episode 220 on the power of gratitude
- Episode 148 on why life is about the journey and not just the destination
About Todayโs Guest, Jennifer B. Wallace
Jennifer B. Wallace is a renowned journalist and author, esteemed for her captivating storytelling and insightful social commentary. Her latest research dives into the role of ‘mattering’ in children’s well-being, a concept she beautifully unpacks in her new body of work, Never Enough. A Harvard graduate, she brings her experience from working eight years with 60 Minutes, contributing to significant stories, including the powerful piece on homeless children. Her work has touched countless people and garnered her an array of awards, including the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award.
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