logo
episode-header-image
Jul 9
46m 48s

Confidence Tips for Teen Girls with My 1...

Mary Jelkovsky
About this episode

Are you ready for a confidence pep talk from my wise little sister?! Though she’s only 17, her perspective on mental health, body-image, and self-love is relatable to teens and adults alike. Whether you’re a big sister, auntie, parent, caretaker, or teen, you’ll walk away with a confidence boost and encouragement for self-love. 

We talk about what it’s like growing up today—from social media pressure, identity struggles, family dynamics, and bullying at school. But we also unpack the beautiful parts: the power of a positive mindset and how even the messiest moments can spark personal growth.

You will learn about... 

  • the challenges teenagers face these days and how adults can show up for them 
  • why feeling lost is actually a good thing 
  • our crunchy mom and how that’s impacted me and my sister’s body-image 
  • how to deal with the grief of an absent or emotionally unavailable parent with self-compassion 
  • ways to cultivate confidence and a positive mindset as a teen girl 
  • what it’s like growing up in an immigrant household 
  • what helps cope with bullying 
  • how caretakers can support a teens with mental health struggles

Whether you're struggling with your own self-esteem or supporting a teen who is, this episode reminds us that confidence isn’t about being perfect. It’s something all of us must practice. And sometimes, the people we think we’re teaching (like little sisters) end up being our greatest teachers. 

Remember: If you’re having a hard time with confidence, self-esteem, or mental health in general, please reach out to someone you trust. Talking about it is the first step to healing—and you never have to do it alone.

And if you enjoyed this episode, screenshot it and tag @maryspodcast on Instagram! Sharing helps the message of self-love reach more women and girls around the world. 

For more empowering conversations on self-love, confidence, relationships, body-image, mindset and mental health, please explore past episodes of Mary’s Cup of Tea: the Self-Love Podcast for Women.

Up next
Aug 21
How to Love Yourself Through Bad Body Image Days
Many women phase bad body image days, especially in a world that equates beauty with self worth.If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and struggled to feel comfortable in your skin, then this episode is for you. The relationship between body image and self-love is complex, but I’m ... Show More
10m 47s
Aug 14
How Diet Culture Hijacks Women’s Wellness w/ Christy Harrison, MPH (Encore)
Diet culture has a sneaky way of showing up everywhere. From weightloss plans disguised as “lifestyle changes” to wellness trends promising to heal everything from your skin to your soul. In this encore episode, I’m joined by Christy Harrison, MPH, RD—author of The Wellness Trap ... Show More
1h 25m
Aug 7
To Love Yourself, You Have to Tell the TRUTH
You can’t truly love yourself if you’re lying to yourself.And you certainly can’t find peace in a version of you that’s not real.Because when you try to love a version of yourself that isn’t true, it feels empty. It’s like people-pleasing: if you sacrifice authenticity for approv ... Show More
23m 21s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2025
Imposter Syndrome & Comparison Culture: Ditch Self Doubt and Boost Confidence with Deborah Conquest
Hi everyone, and welcome to another episode of Ask Dr. Jodi! Tonight, I have the privilege of sitting down with my dear friend and vocal coach extraordinaire, Deborah Conquest, to unpack the topic of imposter syndrome. If you’ve ever felt like a fraud, doubted your abilities, or ... Show More
38m 39s
May 27
299. The psychology of emotionally immature parents
What happens when the people who were supposed to guide and nurture us were never taught to emotionally grow up themselves? In today’s episode, we dive into the psychology of emotionally immature parents - their behaviours, their blind spots, and the lasting impact they can have ... Show More
1 h
Aug 1
5 Game-Changing Rituals to Reclaim Your Confidence, Even When You Feel Unlovable | WOI Experts (Fan Fav)
This is a fan fav episode. You can be in a room full of people and feel completely alone. You can also have hundreds of relationships in your life and more friendships than you can count and feel unlovable and unworthy of love. History of abuse, emotional trauma and attachment is ... Show More
1h 45m
Apr 2025
How to Boost Your Confidence & Beat Insecurity
Insecurity doesn’t have to dictate your life. In this episode, we dive into five practical ways to boost your confidence and beat insecurities. From shutting down negative thoughts to following through on goals you’ve been putting off, we’ll cover:Knowing Your Values – and why it ... Show More
27m 34s
May 19
A REALISTIC GUIDE TO CONFIDENCE: how to ACTUALLY be confident
How to ACTUALLY be confident!!! not just fake it!!!! In this episode, I’m giving you all my tips on how to stop doubting yourself and own who you are. From keeping promises to yourself to being okay with people not liking you, here’s a realistic guide to becoming the most solid, ... Show More
24m 8s
Jun 2024
How to Gain Confidence, Boost Self-Esteem & Love Yourself More
EP92: In this episode of Boujee Best Friend, we're diving into building confidence and self-love. I’ll share a summer update, including my egg freezing journey and more details from the launch of my jewelry line with Wove. We’ll discuss confidence killers like too much screen tim ... Show More
26m 43s
Oct 2024
E063 - World’s #1 Therapist Reveals Secrets to Better Sex & Higher Self-Esteem | Marisa Peer
Joining me today is Marisa Peer, a world-renowned therapist, best-selling author and the visionary of Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT). With over 3 decades of experience, Marisa has helped thousands overcome issues related to self-esteem, confidence and love. Today’s episode ... Show More
1h 38m
Sep 2024
How to Become Your Most Confident Self
I'm talking about a topic today that is very important to me, confidence & self-love. Over the past few years, I’ve been focusing on becoming my most confident self, which has made me love myself more than ever. In this episode, I share my tips and advice on gaining confidence an ... Show More
36m 1s
Jul 2023
185 // My 2 Step Process to Go From Over-Committing & People Pleasing to Saying No & Setting Self Love Filled Boundaries Respectfully & With Confidence
Hey love, in today's episode I'm going to share with you the most practical 2 step process to stop autopiloting to saying YES to all the things & start moving into setting genuinely healthy boundaries.   Your time and your energy is precious. We are meant to steward it & ... Show More
10m 52s