“Every Parent Needs a Mary.”
Get entertaining, insightful, true-to-life keynotes packed with parenting strategies that stick.
In a world where rising stress, self-doubt, and social pressures are weighing kids down, parenting can feel harder than ever.
Mary Willcox Smith equips parents with a simple, science-backed approach to nurture connection, character, and confidence, turning everyday interactions into lifelong strengths.
Below are her most requested talks—perfect for any event focused on emotional well-being, resilience, or the mother-daughter dynamic.
Coming Soon
Raise Her To Rise
In her newest keynote, Mary Willcox Smith inspires parents to turn everyday interactions into powerful opportunities to foster connection, character, and confidence in their daughters.
From navigating tough conversations to managing anxiety, social pressures, and big emotions, Mary shares practical, neuroscience-backed strategies that empower parents to confidently raise the next generation of strong, self-assured young women.
Parents will leave with fresh insights, actionable tools, and renewed confidence to help their daughters rise to life’s challenges—and their full potential.
Key Takeaways
Identify how your “Parent Traps” –perfectionism, protection, and projecting fears– can shape your daughter’s confidence—and what to do instead.
Get ready-to-go scripts for handling tough conversations, setting boundaries, and supporting your daughter through big emotions.
Help your daughter tune into her own voice (instead of the world’s) with simple, effective MicroStep Moments®.
Discover the unexpected science behind raising a confident, emotionally strong daughter
Up Your Game
Raising a Girl-Athlete with Confidence
In youth sports, we tell girls to win big, train hard, push through, and never quit—but what if those messages backfire?
What if true confidence, resilience, and love of the game aren’t built in the big wins, but in the small moments we practice every day?
As a former athlete, youth coach, and mom of four competitive daughters, Mary Willcox Smith brings her MicroStep Method® to the world of youth sports, helping parents navigate competition pressures while fostering confidence, courage, and self-discipline—without getting sidelined.
Through humor, real-life stories, and actionable strategies, she challenges traditional sports parenting wisdom and reveals what truly helps young athletes thrive.
Key Takeaways
Avoid the common mistakes that undermine confidence and self-belief.
Encourage perseverance without pressure, bribes, or burnout.
Use confidence-building language that strengthens resilience.
Navigate tough coaching decisions without damaging trust.
Learn MicroSteps to help your daughter grow on and off the field.
The Mother-Daughter Connection
Building Unbreakable Bonds—With No Strings Attached.
Focusing on the unique and often complex mother-daughter dynamic, this keynote helps mothers create deeper, more trusting relationships with their daughters.
Mary draws from her personal experiences and expertise to provide moms with practical, simple strategies for fostering emotional intelligence, communication, and mutual respect—in imperfectly perfect ways.
Learn how you can be the mom you always wanted to be, while modeling what it means to thrive as a strong woman in the modern world.
Key Takeaways
Identify and reframe common “mother-daughter triggers” to build trust, not tension.
Uncover the small, daily opportunities that build her confidence and emotional resilience.
Learn the “language of empathy” to foster healthy communication.
Discover how to model self-respect by setting boundaries and sticking to them.
Leave with a toolkit for balancing support and independence, preparing her to thrive on her own terms.
Make The Moment Count
How to Build Connection, Character, and Confidence—One Moment at a Time
Modern parenting isn’t just a balancing act—it’s a high-wire performance. And without a safety net, even our best efforts can fall short, leaving kids—and their parents—more vulnerable to stress, self-doubt, and disconnection.
But small moments can make a big difference.
In this engaging talk, Mary Willcox Smith introduces The MicroStep Method®—a simple, neuroscience-backed approach to fostering connection so kids feel seen, heard, and supported—without adding more to your already full plate.
This isn’t just another parenting talk—it’s a practical, transformative framework for turning daily challenges into meaningful change. With a few small shifts, you can improve behaviors, strengthen relationships, and create the kind of connection that lasts.
Key Takeaways
Recognize and harness the “small moments” that shape character and foster cooperation.
Learn how your reactions—and how you shift them—shape your child’s resilience and confidence
Get the phrases and techniques to foster open, honest communication —at any age.
Find out why one small, intentional step is all you need to start real change
Cultivate purpose and empathy to help kids make positive, independent choices.
What Audiences Are Saying
People rave about Mary’s down-to-earth humor and real, refreshing take on raising confident daughters who rise to life’s challenges—and their fullest potential.
“Mary’s compassion and understanding set her apart. She doesn’t sugarcoat parenting, yet leaves the audience inspired and ready for change!”
—Ellen Claire van Olden, Founder, Empower the Girls LLC“
Our kids just weren't listening to us. Mary helped frame the actual problem (apparently, it wasn't the listening) and gave us a set of techniques that completely changed how they were acting. I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't see it with my own eyes.
—John and Amy, Parents of 2“
I still have chills after listening to Mary's presentation to our school's PTA group. It was so relevant to our times and powerfully impactful for me as a parent. I will be recommending her as a resource to parent friends, and to other school groups.
It felt like she was speaking directly to me, directly about my problems! You won't want to miss out on this terrific resource.
—Jen F, Armstrong Elementary, PTA President“
Mary’s presentation hit the spot for me as a Mom.
Her relatable stories and humor made the challenges of parenting feel less overwhelming, and her MicroStep approach gave me simple, actionable strategies to take home and use immediately.
—Gemma S, Mom of 3, Lemon Road PTA“
Event Organizer Resources
It’s easy to promote Mary as part of your event.
Here’s what you’ll find in her media kit:
Professional videos and imagery to capture attention and pull parents into your event
Logos from previous speaking engagements and media features.
Social proof: testimonials, social media screenshots, and more.
Introduction scripts for introducing Mary at your event.
Tech requirements and equipment list for seamless setup.
Every keynote presentation can include handouts, time for audience Q&A, virtual delivery, and copies of slides upon request.
