Celebrated journalist Jennifer Wallace addresses performance mindset and toxic stress

On August 29th, the Glenbard Parent Series hosted Jennifer Wallace, investigative journalist and author for a program titled Never Enough: Inspiring Balanced Achievement, Self-Confidence and the Power of Mattering. Wallace is the author of "Never Enough.”  Wallace was in conversation with former GPS speakers Lori Gottlieb at noon and Julie Lythcott-Haims at 7pm.

Today's students face unprecedented pressure to succeed, and they are absorbing the cultural message that their value is based on accomplishments. Wallace provides a toolkit for positive change and a practical framework to help young people understand they are inherently valued and loved. She offers tips to enhance kids’ resilience, self-confidence and psychological security so they can thrive. 

Wallace is a celebrated journalist, formerly with 60 Minutes, and author of the book “Never Enough: When Achievement Pressure Becomes Toxic – and What We Can Do About It.” 

Click HERE for a recording of the program with Jennifer Wallace in conversation with Lori Gottlieb and a Q&A with Julie Lythcott-Haims

Take Away

DuPage County Regional Office of Education Superintendent Amber Quirk co-hosted the event and shared the following takeaway quotes from the speakers:

 "The best thing we can do for our children is take care of our own wellbeing. Never worry alone, rather, have a 'go to' committee for yourself. Strive to be a good enough --not perfect — parent.

 As we check in with kids at the end of a school day, lead with, ‘What did you have for lunch?’ to send a subtle signal that we see them as more than a number, grade or performance. Schedule stressful conversations so they are not happening daily (e.g., grades or college preparation). Talk about the difference between healthy and unhealthy competition. We want our kids to focus on wise striving, and we need to normalize difficult feelings. Share your own failure stories to build connections.

Encourage volunteerism and gratitude to give the child a deeper sense of mattering, and teach healthy interdependence by letting them know you can work together on difficult issues. Make your home a 'mattering haven' where children feel they matter outside the exterior recognitions or achievements. Then, help them shift their lens outward to find ways to make others feel valued as well.”

Resources

Visit Wallace's website

View the Mattering Movement website

Read "Forget independence. Tech your kids this instead.," Wallace's Aug. 14, 2023 op-ed for the Washington Post

Watch Wallace's Aug. 24, 2023 appearance on Good Morning America

Watch or listen to Wallace's Aug. 22, 2023 appearance on the Ask Lisa podcast, hosted by Lisa Damour, Ph.D. (FAN '19, '20, 21, '23)

Read "The Power of Mattering at Work," Wallace's Dec. 1, 2022 essay for the Wall Street Journal

Watch Wallace's Aug. 22, 2023 appearance on CBS Mornings

Read an August 30 interview with Wallace published in Greater Good Magazine

Visit Julie Lytchcott-Haim's website 

Visit Lori Gottlieb's website