KidzDocTalk

Confidence in Kids

Episode Summary

It's never too early to be your child's cheerleader! Raising children has so many pillars and we all aim to be the best parents that we can be. From developmental milestones, academic achievements and other metrics, it's important to instill self-confidence and self-esteem in our kids to ensure they carry a healthy self-image into adulthood. Dr. Jennie and guest, Dr. Mark Murray from our partner practice, Almouie Pediatrics, discuss the importance of confidence in kids.

Episode Notes

This episode covers the following topics:

• Creating the space to talk to your kid(s) (being open & willing)
• What role confidence plays in development 
• The importance of self esteem
• Pressure of self-esteem heightened for children identifying in the LBGTQ Community
• Positive reinforcement from caregivers
• How positive reviews of self carry into adulthood (relationships, career, success)
• Staying tuned in to what your child needs in terms of praise and acknowledgement at each stage of their life
• What to look for in children with low self-esteem and how to navigate
• Understanding your teenager's emotions and adjustment periods
• Self-harm and what to look for
• Patterns in self-confidence since the beginning of the pandemic 
• Impact of social media on kid's self esteem
• Peer Pressure
• Effects on self-confidence when major life events or changes occur 

About Dr. Mark Murray:

Dr. Mark Murray grew up along the coast in central New Jersey and has been on the move ever since.  He attended The University of South Carolina for undergrad where he graduated from the College of Science and Engineering with honors, from there he attended Drexel University where he obtained a masters in medical sciences, next he completed medical school at Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine and then moved onto Pediatric Residency training at Prisma Health Children's Hospital in Columbia, SC where he was chief resident.

Since he completed residency, Dr. Murray has been practicing primary care pediatrics in Austin, TX where he helps to care for the diverse pediatric population of Austin. Dr. Murray is board certified in Pediatrics, a member of the AAP and takes special interests in preventative care as well as care for LGBTQIA+ youth and more. Dr. Murray loves being able to care for children of all ages and help their parents navigate the many stages of parenthood.