#23: Popularity, Friend Groups, and “Mean Girl Behavior”

 #23: Popularity, Friend Groups, and “Mean Girl Behavior”For adolescents, especially younger adolescents (tweens, middle schoolers, and even younger) being accepted into “the group” is THE most important thing on their radar. Their brains are wired to seek acceptance from their peers, and it literally feels like a life and death situation. These social issues are extremely complicated for teens and tweens. From individual manipulation, social maneuvering, and constant stress – they deal with it daily. Decades of scientific research reveals the teenage struggle for “popularity” causes aggressive behavior, which manifests differently between the sexes. Girls tend to use more relational aggression or “mean girl behavior”, while boys generally favor more physical and verbal aggression (but use relational aggression as well). In this episode we’ll discuss social stress, friend groups, “popularity”, and zero in on relational aggression. You’ll learn what it looks like and how you can help your teen or tween deal with it, while keeping your relationship with them intact.  Show Notes and TranscriptFind our FREE Parenting Guides Here "I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen. Tap here, to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show. If you’re listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star!Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents!I drop new episodes every Tuesday and Friday so please tap Follow on the main episode page, so they’ll be ready for you in your app. You can reach out to me with ideas for the show or guest suggestions here. Thanks so much for listening!3-Session Coaching Package - 3, hour-long one-to-one coaching sessions with me, Ann Coleman to help you through whatever issues you are currently expereincing with your teenager. 1-hour of One-to-One Coaching - If you just need a quick, 1-hour coaching session to figure out a specific issue with your teen, book a call with me.Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.)The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50!Check out the podcast on YouTube!Email Ann at [email protected] Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram  Read ...