Why do so many capable kids hesitate to start, give up quickly, or feel like they’re falling behind, even when they’re doing fine?This podcast explores how digital comparison quietly reshapes the way children evaluate themselves, and why that matters for learning, motivation, and mental health.Using a simple developmental analogy, how babies learn to walk, this podcast explains why learning used to feel safe, messy, and expected… and why, for many kids today, it no longer does.Rather than blaming kids for distraction, low motivation, or lack of grit, we look at how modern digital environments:Flood developing brains with constant comparisonReplace internal signals of progress with external metricsTurn first attempts into perceived failuresMake distraction feel like relief from pressureGradually weaken motivation to try, take risks, and persistYou’ll also hear a clear explanation of how psychologists think about the real self, ideal self, and “should” self, and why digital comparison pulls these farther apart — increasing anxiety, perfectionism, and self-doubt.Most importantly, this podcast offers practical, concrete strategies for parents and teachers, including:How to rebuild an internal sense of progressHow to shift conversations away from rank and outcomesHow to make effort visible againHow to create environments where it’s safe to struggle and learnThis is not about banning technology or “toughening kids up.”It’s about understanding how development actually works, and how we can shape environments that help kids grow with confidence, resilience, and motivation.Who this video is forParents wondering why their child avoids starting tasksTeachers noticing more anxiety, hesitation, or perfectionismAnyone interested in child development, learning, and digital lifeIf this resonatesThis podcast is part of a short series exploring:Digital comparisonSelf-evaluation and motivationAttention and focus in developing mindsSubscribe for future podcasts on learning, development, and life in a digital world.