Raising kids is a huge responsibility for parents. It's not just about meeting the everyday needs of a little human being, it’s also about helping to shape their values and character as they grow. We want to raise empathetic, tolerant, loving, fair, and happy individuals. But in today’s society the influence of social media, and a wide range of other factors, can make this task especially complicated. In this article we’ll be focussing particularly on steps we can take to raise confident and independent girls. Let’s support our daughters in becoming secure and happy women!
Related Reads:
👉 10 Tips for Raising Respectful, Responsible, and Affectionate Boys
Fostering Confidence and Happiness in Girls
Reinforcing children's self-esteem, valuing love and respect above all, contributes to raising better adults. This is essential for both boys and girls.
However, the societal pressures and expectations placed primarily on women means it’s crucial for parents and caregivers to consider how they can help raise girls who are secure, independent, and fulfilled.
Issues like body image, career aspirations, household chores, and stereotypes surrounding femininity should be addressed early on. It's about having open conversations, demonstrating respect, and leading by example.
According to Sarah Helena, a psychologist, curator at Leiturinha, and mother of Cecília:
“After the birth of a child, the family needs to reflect on the values and behaviours they want to pass on and those they don't. To raise independent and secure girls, these values must be practised by family members, especially among women, as they are role models for little ones. Breaking stereotypes, like beauty standards or household chores division, is essential. This requires patience, courage, and daring. Being ourselves authentically is one of the toughest battles in life.”
10 Ways to Support Your Daughter:
Here are some simple actions that can help your little girl have a better relationship with herself and others, ultimately becoming a more secure and happy woman:
1. Avoid Criticising Your Body in Front of Your Daughter
It’s common for people to feel insecure about their body, especially with the consistent promotion of impossible beauty standards. However, it's vital not to critique your body in front of young girls. Promote healthy eating and exercise for physical well-being, demonstrating that the body is a wonderful vehicle that helps to achieve goals, rather than something that just looks pretty.
2. Praise Qualities Beyond Looks
Girls are often complimented on their beauty. Instead, focus on praising their intelligence, curiosity, kindness, humour, dedication, and bravery. This helps them see their worth beyond their appearance.
3. Encourage Independence and Autonomy
Teach your daughter that she can complete tasks on her own. It's crucial for her to understand her strength and capability in achieving happiness and success.
4. Respect Her Choices
Parents sometimes project their dreams onto their children. It's important to support your daughter's choices, whether it's in hobbies, sports, or academic subjects.
5. Mums, Be Complete Individuals
Motherhood is wonderful, but it's not the sole identity of a woman. It's important for mothers to maintain their own interests and ambitions and for fathers to support mothers in balancing parenting and personal fulfilment. This demonstrates to young girls that their ambitions can include motherhood as well as other pursuits.
6. Limit Exposure to Media Reinforcing Beauty Standards
Be mindful of media that perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards. Encourage your daughter to appreciate real-world diversity to have a more healthy approach to body image.
7. Prioritise Comfort in Clothing
Choose clothes that allow your daughter to move freely and comfortably, rather than focusing on appearance. Above all, allow her interest and curiosity to lead the discussion.
8. Teach Her to Say No
Teach your daughter to respect her boundaries and understand that she can say no to things that don't align with her values or desires. This includes respecting when she says no to you too!
9. Share Household Chores Fairly
Children, regardless of gender, should help with household chores. This develops independence, responsibility, and respect. Seeing chores shared equally with brothers and paternal figures teaches her to expect the same from other men as she grows.
10. Help Her Realise She Is Special
Ensure your daughter understands her worth and unique qualities from a young age. Building self-esteem daily can have a lasting impact on her confidence and how she interacts with the world.
These approaches from parents and caregivers can contribute to raising girls who have better self-esteem and self-assuredness.
The Role of Arts and Crafts in Empowering Girls
In addition to these ten methods for raising confident and secure girls, integrating arts and crafts into their upbringing plays a significant role in their development. Engaging in creative activities is not just about fun; it's a powerful tool for building self-esteem, expressing individuality, and fostering independence.
3 Ways Arts and Crafts Can Empower Girls
Boosts Self-Expression:
Arts and crafts provide a platform for girls to express their feelings, ideas, and identities. This form of self-expression is crucial for developing a strong sense of self.
Encourages Decision-Making:
When involved in artistic activities, girls make choices about what to create and how to create it. This decision-making process is empowering and promotes autonomy.
Builds Confidence:
There's a unique sense of accomplishment and pride that comes from creating something independently. This achievement boosts confidence and self-worth.
At toucanBox, we understand the impact of arts and crafts on a child's development. Our range of crafting kits is designed to inspire, educate, and empower your daughter, offering her a canvas to express herself.
Visit Our Shop: Discover our carefully curated arts and craft kits that are perfect for encouraging creativity and confidence in your daughter.
Join Our Subscription Craft Club: Receive a monthly craft kit that provides your daughter with monthly activities that develop her skills, creativity, and self-esteem.
Let's nurture our daughters’ talents and empower them to be the confident, independent, and happy individuals they are meant to be, one craft at a time. 🎨💪🌟
Curated by
The SandBox Team, in collaboration with toucanBox
