In a world of modern technology, oversaturated with images of “standard” beauty, the task of raising a girl with high self-esteem is becoming more and more difficult.
Only 2% of women consider themselves beautiful, and 81% of ten-year-old girls are afraid of getting fat — these and more facts speak for themselves!
However, parents should not despair, because everything is in their hands.
In many ways, it is the attitude of her family that determines whether the girl will feel confident at school, university, at work and in life in general.
This article will tell you how to build a basis for an adequate self-esteem for your daughter.
Start with yourself
The main example for girls is their mother. The image of a mother and her attitude towards herself have a huge impact on her daughter's perception. Looking at her mom, she builds an inner image of herself.
Try to avoid negative statements about yourself; don't show your daughter that you doubt your appearance or competence. Be kind to yourself first. Your example is very important for a child.
Teach your daughter to take care of herself
Tell her all about proper nutrition, hygiene, the importance of taking care of your body and keeping your clothes and shoes clean. From childhood, instill in the girl the habit of looking tidy.
Watch media together
Talk about what you see on social media, movies, or ads. Help your daughter develop a critical eye so she can understand and filter media messages.
Teach your daughter to hear her own voice
Always ask your daughter to share her opinion about various life moments. Let her make her own choices and accept them if they're reasonable. Show your daughter that she doesn't need to please anyone and that she can always act on her own.
Enroll the girl in a team sport
The sooner a girl feels “at home” among other girls, the better. Communicating with women of the same sex, the girl will find new traits in herself and will gradually reveal her own potential. This will strengthen her self-esteem and avoid excessive “craving” for the opposite sex.
Praise your daughter not only for her beauty, but also for her actions and deeds
So that the girl does not have the false impression that beauty is the main thing, do not forget to praise her for her efforts and achievements in other areas. Celebrate her intelligence, creativity, and other abilities, but don't just focus on the result. Teach your daughter to enjoy the process.
Help her find her favorite activity
Having an exciting hobby will help unleash the girl's potential and become an unshakable support for life. Success and achievements in her favorite activity will give the girl a sense of self-worth that does not depend on appearance or clothes.
Don't let yourself criticize other women
Try not to discuss other women's appearance, clothes, or behavior, and don't let siblings, dads, or other men tease your daughter.
Don't compare your daughter to other girls
An effective way to kill your daughter's self-esteem is to constantly compare her with others. Instead, focus on her strengths, help her grow in what she loves, and remind her that each person has their own pace of development.
Advice for dads: let your daughter live life to the fullest
Don't act like your daughter is a defenseless houseplant. This will form a false image in her head of a princess who needs to be rescued. Instead, let your daughter lead a lifestyle that appeals to her: exercise and be creative, participate in school activities and Olympics, go hiking, etc. Let her try whatever she wants, even if it's considered an activity for boys. Let the girl make mistakes, fall, get up and keep going.
Let your daughter feel your unconditional love
Whatever happens, accept and love your daughter. Be her backbone and back.
The feeling that anyone appreciates you will become its inner core. It is your love, like a ray of light, that will guide the future young woman along her path in life.
If you want your daughter to be even more self-confident, sign her up for free trial lesson at Progkids! Unlock the girl's potential by giving her a new hobby, and possibly a future profession!
