Mattering in our Modern World: Event Recap
Thank you to everyone who joined our Mattering x The Balance Project Lunch & Learn with Jennifer Breheny Wallace.
During this event, we discussed how modern culture challenges a true sense of “Mattering” and why learning how to untangle self-worth from achievement is the key to a fulfilled and balanced life for kids and parents alike.
Below are a few key themes from the conversation on supporting kids’ well-being in a high-pressure, tech-saturated world:
Mattering is a core human need. Kids thrive when they feel valued for who they are (not just what they achieve) and when they have meaningful ways to contribute to others.
Achievement pressure has intensified. Modern achievement culture—magnified by social media—pushes external validation (likes, status, performance), which is strongly linked to anxiety, depression, and burnout.
Technology accelerates, not causes, the crisis. Tech amplifies existing pressures and social comparison, making it more important than ever for adults to reinforce unconditional worth offline.
Parents’ well-being directly impacts kids. Research shows children’s resilience is closely tied to the resilience and mental health of the adults in their lives.
Connection is the strongest protective factor. Minimizing criticism, prioritizing affection, staying curious (not furious) about tech use, and rebuilding real-world community all help restore a sense of belonging and mattering.
Want to go deeper?
Jennifer Wallace’s new book, Mattering, expands on these ideas with research-backed insights and practical strategies for parents, educators, and caregivers. The book is available now and is a powerful next step for anyone looking to support both youth and adult well-being.
Reach out for access to the video recording of this session - info@thebalanceproject.life
