Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Helping Your Daughter Navigate Social Media Positively
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Helping Your Daughter Navigate Social Media Positively
So today, I’ll share why social media can be tricky for kids, the biggest mistakes to avoid, and three practical ways to help your daughter use it in a healthy way.
Why Social Media Can Be Challenging for Kids
Your daughter is growing up in a world where likes, comments, and filters shape self-worth. Here’s why that’s a problem:
❌ Comparison Culture – Seeing “perfect” lives online can make her feel like she’s not good enough. ❌ Validation Seeking – Getting likes and followers can become a measure of self-worth. ❌ Unrealistic Standards – Filters and editing make it easy to believe no one has flaws.
If we don’t guide her, social media can impact her confidence and mental health.
3 Ways to Help Your Daughter Navigate Social Media Positively
1. Teach Her to Think Critically About What She Sees
Help her understand that social media isn’t real life. Ask questions like:
💬 “Do you think this picture was edited or filtered?” 💬 “Do you think this person’s life is always this perfect?” 💬 “How does this post make you feel about yourself?”
Encouraging critical thinking helps her scroll with awareness instead of comparison.
2. Encourage Social Media Breaks & Real-Life Connections
Too much screen time can disconnect her from reality—so encourage balance.
✅ Create tech-free zones – No phones at the dinner table or during family time. ✅ Suggest screen breaks – “Let’s go for a walk, just us, no phones.” ✅ Prioritize face-to-face relationships – Remind her that real friendships happen offline.
When she sees that life exists beyond the screen, she’ll rely less on social media for validation.
3. Be Involved Without Controlling
Your daughter needs guidance, not surveillance. Instead of strict rules, have open conversations about online safety and emotional well-being.
💬 “Who do you follow that makes you feel good about yourself?” 💬 “How do you decide what to post?” 💬 “If something online ever makes you uncomfortable, you can always talk to me.”
The more safe and open she feels with you, the more likely she’ll come to you when she needs support.
Quick Takeaways: Start Today!
Here’s your challenge: Tonight, ask your daughter one question about social media—no judgment, just curiosity.
✅ Help her think critically about what she sees. ✅ Encourage real-life connections over screen time. ✅ Be involved in her online world without being overbearing.
Social media isn’t going away—but with your guidance, she can use it in a way that lifts her up instead of tearing her down.
If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X.
TRANSCRIPT
Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to the dad and daughter connection, the podcast for dads who want to build stronger bonds and raise confident independent daughters.
Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:12]: Hey, dads. Welcome to dad connection in five, your quick practical guide to building a stronger bond with your daughter one meaningful conversation at a time. I'm doctor Christopher Lewis, and today we're talking about one of the biggest challenges modern parents face, helping your daughter navigate social media in in a positive, healthy way. Social media is a double edged sword. It can be a place for creativity, connection, and learning, but it also comes with comparison, unrealistic beauty standards, and pressure to be perfect. The good news? You, as her dad, can help her develop the confidence and critical thinking skills she needs to use social media in a way that's empowering, not damaging. So today, I'll share why social media can be tricky for kids, the biggest mistakes to avoid, and three practical ways to help your daughter use it in a healthy way. So why is social media so challenging? Well, your daughter's growing up in a world where likes, comments, and filters shape self worth.
Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:09]: So here's why that's a problem. You've got comparison culture. Seeing perfect lives online can make her feel like she's not good enough. You're also having your daughter seeing validation seeking. Getting likes and followers can become a measure of self worth. It also can lead to unrealistic standards. Filters and editing make it easy to believe that no one has any flaws. If we don't guide her, social media can impact her confidence and mental health.
Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:36]: So here's three ways to help your daughter navigate social media positively. First, teach her to think critically about what she sees and help her understand that social media isn't real life. So you can ask questions like, do you think this picture was edited or filtered? Do you think this person's life is always this perfect? Or how does this post make you feel about yourself? Encouraging critical thinking helps her scroll with awareness instead of comparison. Second, encourage social media breaks and real life connections. Too much screen time can disconnect her from reality, so encourage balance. Create tech free zones. No phones at the dinner table or or during family time. Suggest screen breaks.
Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:22]: Let's go for a walk. Just us, no phones. Prioritize face to face relationships. Remind her that real friendships happen offline. And because when she sees that life exists beyond the screen, she'll rely less on social media for validation. Third, be involved without controlling your daughter's need, without controlling because your daughter needs guidance, not just surveillance. Instead of strict rules, have open conversations about online safety and emotional well-being. Who do you follow that makes you feel good about yourself? How do you decide what to post? If something online ever makes you feel comfortable, you can always talk to me.
Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:03:04]: The more safe and open she feels with you, the more likely she'll come to you when she needs support. So start today. Here's your challenge. Tonight, ask your daughter one question about social media. No judgment, just curiosity. Help her think critically about what she sees. Encourage real life connections over screen time. Be involved in her online world without being overbearing.
Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:03:29]: Social media isn't going away, but with guidance, she can use it in a way that lifts her up instead of tearing her down. That's it for today's dad connection in five. If this was helpful, share it with another dad who wants to help his daughter develop healthy relationships with social media. Until next time, keep showing up, keep guiding, and keep being that voice that reminds her that her worth isn't measured in likes.
Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:03:56]: That's a wrap for this episode of the dad and daughter connection. Thanks for joining us on this journey to build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters. Remember, being an engaged dad isn't about being perfect. It's about being present. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and share it with a fellow dad. And don't forget, you can find all our episodes at dadanddaughterconnection.com. Until next time, keep showing up, keep connecting, and keep being the dad she needs.
Musical Outro Performer [00:04:26]: We're all in the same boat, and it's full of tiny screaming passengers. We spend the time. We give the lessons. We make the meals. We buy them presents and bring your AK. Because those kids are growing fast, the time goes by just like a dynamite blast, them. Be the best dad you can be. Be the best dad you can be.
View all episodes
So today, I’ll share why social media can be tricky for kids, the biggest mistakes to avoid, and three practical ways to help your daughter use it in a healthy way.
Why Social Media Can Be Challenging for Kids
Your daughter is growing up in a world where likes, comments, and filters shape self-worth. Here’s why that’s a problem:
❌ Comparison Culture – Seeing “perfect” lives online can make her feel like she’s not good enough. ❌ Validation Seeking – Getting likes and followers can become a measure of self-worth. ❌ Unrealistic Standards – Filters and editing make it easy to believe no one has flaws.
If we don’t guide her, social media can impact her confidence and mental health.
3 Ways to Help Your Daughter Navigate Social Media Positively
1. Teach Her to Think Critically About What She Sees
Help her understand that social media isn’t real life. Ask questions like:
💬 “Do you think this picture was edited or filtered?” 💬 “Do you think this person’s life is always this perfect?” 💬 “How does this post make you feel about yourself?”
Encouraging critical thinking helps her scroll with awareness instead of comparison.
2. Encourage Social Media Breaks & Real-Life Connections
Too much screen time can disconnect her from reality—so encourage balance.
✅ Create tech-free zones – No phones at the dinner table or during family time. ✅ Suggest screen breaks – “Let’s go for a walk, just us, no phones.” ✅ Prioritize face-to-face relationships – Remind her that real friendships happen offline.
When she sees that life exists beyond the screen, she’ll rely less on social media for validation.
3. Be Involved Without Controlling
Your daughter needs guidance, not surveillance. Instead of strict rules, have open conversations about online safety and emotional well-being.
💬 “Who do you follow that makes you feel good about yourself?” 💬 “How do you decide what to post?” 💬 “If something online ever makes you uncomfortable, you can always talk to me.”
The more safe and open she feels with you, the more likely she’ll come to you when she needs support.
Quick Takeaways: Start Today!
Here’s your challenge: Tonight, ask your daughter one question about social media—no judgment, just curiosity.
✅ Help her think critically about what she sees. ✅ Encourage real-life connections over screen time. ✅ Be involved in her online world without being overbearing.
Social media isn’t going away—but with your guidance, she can use it in a way that lifts her up instead of tearing her down.
If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X.
TRANSCRIPT
Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]: Welcome to the dad and daughter connection, the podcast for dads who want to build stronger bonds and raise confident independent daughters.
Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:12]: Hey, dads. Welcome to dad connection in five, your quick practical guide to building a stronger bond with your daughter one meaningful conversation at a time. I'm doctor Christopher Lewis, and today we're talking about one of the biggest challenges modern parents face, helping your daughter navigate social media in in a positive, healthy way. Social media is a double edged sword. It can be a place for creativity, connection, and learning, but it also comes with comparison, unrealistic beauty standards, and pressure to be perfect. The good news? You, as her dad, can help her develop the confidence and critical thinking skills she needs to use social media in a way that's empowering, not damaging. So today, I'll share why social media can be tricky for kids, the biggest mistakes to avoid, and three practical ways to help your daughter use it in a healthy way. So why is social media so challenging? Well, your daughter's growing up in a world where likes, comments, and filters shape self worth.
Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:09]: So here's why that's a problem. You've got comparison culture. Seeing perfect lives online can make her feel like she's not good enough. You're also having your daughter seeing validation seeking. Getting likes and followers can become a measure of self worth. It also can lead to unrealistic standards. Filters and editing make it easy to believe that no one has any flaws. If we don't guide her, social media can impact her confidence and mental health.
Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:36]: So here's three ways to help your daughter navigate social media positively. First, teach her to think critically about what she sees and help her understand that social media isn't real life. So you can ask questions like, do you think this picture was edited or filtered? Do you think this person's life is always this perfect? Or how does this post make you feel about yourself? Encouraging critical thinking helps her scroll with awareness instead of comparison. Second, encourage social media breaks and real life connections. Too much screen time can disconnect her from reality, so encourage balance. Create tech free zones. No phones at the dinner table or or during family time. Suggest screen breaks.
Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:22]: Let's go for a walk. Just us, no phones. Prioritize face to face relationships. Remind her that real friendships happen offline. And because when she sees that life exists beyond the screen, she'll rely less on social media for validation. Third, be involved without controlling your daughter's need, without controlling because your daughter needs guidance, not just surveillance. Instead of strict rules, have open conversations about online safety and emotional well-being. Who do you follow that makes you feel good about yourself? How do you decide what to post? If something online ever makes you feel comfortable, you can always talk to me.
Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:03:04]: The more safe and open she feels with you, the more likely she'll come to you when she needs support. So start today. Here's your challenge. Tonight, ask your daughter one question about social media. No judgment, just curiosity. Help her think critically about what she sees. Encourage real life connections over screen time. Be involved in her online world without being overbearing.
Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:03:29]: Social media isn't going away, but with guidance, she can use it in a way that lifts her up instead of tearing her down. That's it for today's dad connection in five. If this was helpful, share it with another dad who wants to help his daughter develop healthy relationships with social media. Until next time, keep showing up, keep guiding, and keep being that voice that reminds her that her worth isn't measured in likes.
Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:03:56]: That's a wrap for this episode of the dad and daughter connection. Thanks for joining us on this journey to build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters. Remember, being an engaged dad isn't about being perfect. It's about being present. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and share it with a fellow dad. And don't forget, you can find all our episodes at dadanddaughterconnection.com. Until next time, keep showing up, keep connecting, and keep being the dad she needs.
Musical Outro Performer [00:04:26]: We're all in the same boat, and it's full of tiny screaming passengers. We spend the time. We give the lessons. We make the meals. We buy them presents and bring your AK. Because those kids are growing fast, the time goes by just like a dynamite blast, them. Be the best dad you can be. Be the best dad you can be.