Episode Summary:
In this episode of The YouSchool Podcast, Scott Schimmel dives into the importance of teaching kids how to help others feel like they matter. Growing up is already challenging, and social media only intensifies the pressure kids feel to gain external validation. But what if, instead of constantly seeking validation, kids learned to give it? Scott introduces the science of mattering, highlighting two essential components: feeling valued and adding value. By learning to express mattering to those around them—through simple acts like acknowledging, greeting, and showing interest—kids can gain a sense of self-worth while creating positive impacts on others. Scott shares personal insights, research-backed strategies, and practical ways parents can model this behavior, ultimately empowering kids to connect deeply and compassionately with others.

Chapters:

[00:08] Introduction: Why helping kids feel valued and add value is critical for their development.
[01:30] The Challenge of Seeking Validation: Exploring how social media impacts kids' self-worth.
[02:34] The Science of Mattering: Two essential parts of mattering—feeling valued and adding value.
[04:00] A Typical School Scenario: Understanding how kids often feel ignored in social settings.
[05:03] Teaching Kids to Show Value: Encouraging kids to notice and acknowledge others, especially those who seem invisible.
[06:10] Modeling Mattering as Adults: Scott’s personal commitment to greeting kids and adults he knows.
[07:20] A Challenge for Parents: Inspiring parents to model this behavior and teach kids to do the same.
Key Takeaways:

Kids benefit immensely when they feel they both matter and make a difference to those around them.
Social media reinforces the need for external validation, but internal validation can be built by focusing on mattering.
Simple acts of greeting, listening, and showing interest can help kids experience the power of adding value to others' lives.