Question 15: Dear An, How are you these days? I’ve been busy with classes, but I’m trying to stay steady. a. I kept waiting for a big reason...

Raising Confident Kids – A Gentle Guide

Understanding how to support children without falling into strict patterns can help them grow with confidence and joy. It’s easy to (7) __________ to what you’re conditioned to, especially when you want the best for your child. But small changes can make a big difference.

Try these friendly tips:

• (8) __________ assuming you know how they feel, ask open questions and listen with care.
• Be aware that schedules get (9) __________ fast, so make time for calm family moments.
• Avoid going behind their (10) __________ to find out what they may not be ready to share as this will create distance and resentment and hurt your relationship.
• Encourage their passions without pressure so they grow because of joy, not just (11) __________ your approval.
• (12) __________ a supportive environment that encourages them to keep trying but avoid micromanaging their efforts.

Support helps kids learn, explore, and feel loved every step of the way.

[Adapted from https://www.verywellmind.com]

Creating a More Body-Positive Social Media Experience

Social media strongly shapes how people view their bodies and daily lives. When scrolling becomes a habit, users may begin to judge themselves based (1) __________ images that are carefully edited and selectively shared. This often leads people to compare your lifestyle to the perfectly filtered lifestyles they see online, which gradually reinforces (2) __________.

To protect your well-being, small changes in how you use social platforms can make a real difference. Try the following practical steps:

• Block accounts that make you feel pressured, insecure, or dissatisfied with your appearance.
• Follow content that feels (3) __________, especially creators who show realistic bodies and everyday experiences.
• Be (4) __________ of how often you check posts and images, as constant exposure can affect how people feel about themselves.
• Limit screen time by (5) __________ alerts on your smartphone to remind you to take breaks from scrolling.

By shaping your feed more carefully, social media can become a space (6) __________ supports confidence rather than comparison.

[Adapted from https://nourishingny.com]