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We want to first thank Marla for being so gracious with her time and being our first guest on our podcast. We wanted to close out Mental Health Awareness Month in a meaningful way and Marla was instrumental in making this happen. Please check out her social media and countless other resources she has to offer to kids and parents alike.

Marla's Website: https://marladakin.com/

Farmington Valley Counseling Center: https://fvcounseling.com/

Marla's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marladakin/

In this special episode of Built-In Besties, we welcome our first guest, anxiety and mental health specialist Marla Dakin. Join us as we dive deep into essential conversations on teen anxiety, mental health, self-care, and the impact of social media. Marla shares insightful tips on validating children’s feelings and fostering resilience. We also explore growth mindsets and practical strategies for parents and teens to manage stress and anxiety effectively. Don't miss out on this valuable and heartfelt discussion. Be sure to subscribe, like, and check out Marla’s resources for more support.

00:00 Welcome to Built-In Besties

00:05 Introducing Our Special Guest: Marla Dakin

00:32 Candle of the Week

01:41 Marla Dakin Joins the Conversation

02:07 Marla's Resources and Tips

03:16 Understanding and Validating Anxiety

09:56 Balancing Self-Care and Resiliency

15:13 Coping Strategies for Anxiety

23:31 Emerging Trends in Teen Mental Health

25:05 Social Media and Generation Z

26:13 Balancing Social Media Use

27:46 Parental Guidance and Safeguards

33:26 The Impact of Algorithms

38:49 Embracing a Growth Mindset

44:23 Reflections on Parenting

48:53 Middle School Challenges

52:59 Final Thoughts and Farewell