Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor, Heather Hornibrook, explains why confidence can be critical. “Confident girls grow into confident young women who most likely will have greater self-esteem and self-image, a positive outlook on life, and fulfillment in pursuits like career, job, and family.” Hornibrook offers steps you can take in your home to accomplish these goals:
Encouragement: Support her in pursuing something she is passionate about. Don’t limit her choices.
Good Example: Be a positive role model. She will see what it means to be a strong, powerful, secure woman.
Give Responsibilities: When accomplishing a task, self-confidence grows.
Identify Values: What is most important in your family? Ask yourself, what are the values and traits you want her to develop?
Life Lessons: Turn mistakes into opportunities for learning and growth. If your daughter realizes the mistake is not the end of the world, she will be less likely to avoid new things out of fear of failure.
Healthy Body Image: Don’t praise your daughter solely on appearance. Put emphasis on other accomplishments and encourage healthy eating and activities daily.
Hornibrook says it’s never too early for parents to begin using these confidence-building techniques. “As your child grows, their world increases, and they discover more mirrors including siblings, grandparents, and friends which will shape them into unique individuals. Parents need to guide and support their daughters, encouraging them to be strong and capable young women.”
There are many resources available if you’d like more info.“Princess Recovery: a How-To Guide to Raising Strong, Empowered
Girls Who Can Create Their Own Happily Ever Afters” By Jennifer L. Hartstein, PsyD
“Girls will be Girls” By JoAnn Deak
Online resources include:
Kidshealth.orgEducation.comThe Dove Self-Esteem Fund – Girl Scouts of America
