Heading to summer camp? Confidence is the most important thing you can pack. Leslie Randolph speaks directly to girls (and their moms) navigating the nerves that come with starting something new, whether it’s sleepaway camp or a big life transition. Some girls are counting down the days with excitement. Others feel anxious, unsure, or like they’re heading off against their will. All of that is normal, Leslie says, and it’s exactly why building self-confidence matters.

Leslie breaks down how self-confidence isn’t about having zero fear. It’s about moving forward with the fear and choosing how you want to show up anyway. She offers mindset shifts to help girls challenge worst-case-scenario thinking and reframe those “what if” worries. Confidence starts by recognizing that you can’t control who likes you, but you can decide how you show up, how you treat others, and what kind of camper you want to be.

From embracing your interests (even if no one else is into archery!) to staying open to new friendships and new experiences, this episode is a permission slip to be yourself bravely, and without apology. Whether your daughter’s headed to camp, starting high school, or trying something new for the first time, Leslie offers a confidence care package for the road ahead!

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Welcome to Why Didn’t They Tell Us

01:49 Why Camp Brings Up Big Feelings

03:45 How to Normalize Nerves and Build Confidence

05:01 Stop the Spiral: Rethinking Worst-Case Thinking

08:12 Confidence Starts with Knowing Yourself

13:24 Be Open to New Things (Even If You’re Bad at First)

15:12 Confidence Is a Skill, Not a Trait

Connect With Leslie:

Help Your Teen Cultivate Confidence

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Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm