Welcome to Raising Confident Girls. In this episode, Melissa Jones dives into a dynamic many parents encounter but often misunderstand—defensiveness. When girls push back, shut down, or react strongly, it can feel personal or disrespectful. But as Melissa explains, defensiveness is often a form of self-protection, not a reflection of poor parenting or a broken relationship.
With clarity and compassion, Melissa explores what’s really happening beneath defensive reactions and why these moments matter so much during a girl’s formative years. She shares how emotional triggers, communication patterns, and a child’s sense of safety all play a role—and how parents can respond in ways that build trust rather than tension.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why defensiveness is often a protective response, not disrespect
Common emotional triggers behind defensive reactions in girls
How parental tone and approach can either calm or escalate conflict
Communication strategies that help girls feel heard and understood
The role of patience and emotional safety in difficult conversations
Practical tools for navigating defensive moments with confidence and care
Join Melissa for this thoughtful and reassuring conversation that reframes defensiveness as an opportunity—one where empathy, trust, and emotional safety can strengthen connection and help girls grow into confident, secure young women.
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