It can be challenging to raise girls in today’s culture. They can login to social media and see hundreds of photo-shopped images of seemingly-perfect women in just a few minutes. And they’re likely experiencing insecurities about puberty, boys, or their own talents and abilities. As moms, our influence matters a lot. Here are some tips on how to help your daughter build a healthy self esteem. [pullquote]We cannot expect our daughters to love their bodies if we do not love our own. [/pullquote]

• Model Body Acceptance
• Teach Her To Have a Strong, Healthy Voice
• Help Her To Be Aware of Media Messages

Model Body Acceptance- Moms have a huge impact on their daughter’s body image. If you’re a mom, I encourage you to examine your relationship with your own body. Is it healthy or unhealthy? Do you talk  about your body in an uplifting way, or do you obsess over how you look, how many pounds you want to lose, and what you eat? If there are changes you want to make in your body, please keep the emphasis on the positive – on making positive lifestyle changes, and talk about creating a strong, healthy body, not a thin one. We cannot expect our daughters to love their bodies if we do not love our own. 

Teach Her To Have A Strong, Healthy Voice- Unfortunately, too many people associate girls and women having a strong voice as bossy or aggressive. You can teach her to be bold and confident while also being kind. She needs to know that it’s okay to say “no,” to peers or other adults when being she’s uncomfortable.  

Help Her To Be Aware of Media Messages- The messages she’s receiving from songs, television, and movies may be telling her she’s not good enough, not pretty enough, not smart enough, etc. Help her to counter these cultural messages. Watch Netflix with her, and then talk about the things she is seeing (especially negative messages about girls & women). Always be mindful that girls do not care for long lectures; asking a question is a good way to start.

Remember, building confidence and self-esteem is a life long process that takes patience, persistence, and a mother’s support.

Empowering Families By Strengthening Girls & Women

At Warrenton Women’s Counseling Center, we work with girls of all ages (teenagers, adult women, mothers, and daughters). Our work is done face-to-face, online or via phone. We would love to hear from you and help to empower you and/or your daughter.
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Michelle Kelley, LCSW is a licensed counselor and  owner of Warrenton Women’s Counseling Center. We work with girls and women of all ages.  Our motto is to empower families by strengthening girls and women. For more information, call (540) 316-6362 or email Michelle@WarrentonWomensCounselingCenter.com