Is your daughter struggling with friendship drama, and are you finding it hard not to jump in and "fix" it for her?

In this episode of The Positively Healthy Mom, we sit down with Sheri Gazitt, a global friendship expert and founder of Teen Wise. Sheri brings over 30 years of experience in counseling psychology to help us deconstruct the "mean girl" narrative and understand the developmental roots of social conflict.

This episode is a must-listen for moms of teens and young adults who want to move from being a "White Knight" to a supportive consultant, fostering true independence and resilience in their daughters.

• The "White Knight" Trap: Understanding how stepping in to solve social problems can inadvertently rob your daughter of her independence and confidence.
• Deconstructing the "Mean Girl" Myth: Why most hurtful actions are rooted in a lack of social skills or curiosity rather than malice, and how to reframe this for your teen.
• Managing your "Emotional Backpack": How our own past social traumas can trigger overreactions to our teen’s struggles, and how to stay grounded.
• Scaffolding vs. Fixing: Practical strategies for supporting your daughter through conflict by setting boundaries and teaching communication skills rather than taking the wheel.

Question: How can I tell if I'm helping or "over-parenting" during a friendship dispute?

Answer: If you are contacting other parents or school officials before your daughter has tried to handle it herself, you might be in "fixer" mode. Helping means listening, validating her feelings, and brainstorming ways she can address the situation, rather than doing it for her.

Sheri Gazitt is a global friendship expert, speaker, and founder of Teen Wise. With a background in counseling psychology, she has supported thousands of girls and their families in navigating friendship struggles, social anxiety, and the emotional world of growing up. She is the author of Girl Drama Decoded, and her work helps parents understand what’s really happening beneath the surface of teen social dynamics. On a personal note, Sheri has been married for over 30 years and has three children in their 20s.

Connect with Sheri:

• Website: Teen Wise
• Instagram: @beteenwise
• Facebook: Be Teen Wise
• YouTube: Teen Wise
• LinkedIn: Sheri Gazitt

Resources From Laura Ollinger

• Book A Coaching Call: Let’s Work It Out!
• Instagram: @positivelyhealthycoaching
• Rate this podcast!