As girls head back to school, eager to learn and share time
with friends, it’s so important to arm them
with everything they need to be self-confident
and stay true to their authentic selves as they navigate their ever-changing social
surroundings. These resources are here to help give parents and caregivers the
tools they need to model healthy self-esteem and body image for their children,
and help build their self-confidence.
Here are some great tips to help build self-confidence in your girl
from our very own
Andrea Bastiani Archibald, Ph.D., applied developmental psychologist
and chief girl expert at Girl Scouts of the USA!
Build Self-Confidence as a Family
üShow up
for each other. Cheer each other on at sporting events, concerts, etc. Send
a quick text to check in on the big test, or brainstorm on the couch on how to
solve a social situation at school.
ü
Encourage
each other to try something new and out of your comfort zone. Did you know
that just daring your daughter to try something new can inspire her own
self-confidence? Protecting them all the time—even when well intentioned—can
make kids feel incapable or incompetent.
ü
Encourage
direct communication. Empower kids to speak their minds—in respectful ways,
of course!
Model Positive
Self-Esteem and Body Image for Improved Self-Confidence
ü
Watch how
you talk about yourself and your daughter. Don’t talk negatively about your
own body and don’t praise your daughter solely for her appearance. This only
serves to decrease her self-confidence, instead of building it up.
ü
Commend
her on the things that really matter. Compliments should focus on taking on
a new challenge, persisting and real accomplishments!
ü
Consider
how you speak about others, too. Are you judgmental and/or insulting about
others’ appearances (even those on television or in movies)?
ü
Encourage
regular physical activity in your daughter and model it, too. Instead of
going to get your nails done, go for a bike ride or a walk. Help her see her
body as strong and capable, not just “pretty.” Teach her to have
self-confidence about her whole self.
ü
Don’t
limit her choices. Buy her games traditionally marketed to boys, and if
she’s interested, push her to explore subject areas (STEM) and sports that are
more often targeted to boys.
Teach Acceptance to
Increase Self-Confidence
ü
Don’t
model all-or-nothing thinking. Life is a balance and mistakes are expected!
Show your kids that you try, you make mistakes, and you just get back up and
try again (same thing for trying something new).
ü
Recognize
and let your kids know that life can be bumpy. Unexpected and challenging
things—large and small—can happen, and it’s how we handle them and move on that
matters. Explain this to her and let her know you, as a parent, are always
there for her.
ü
Try to
remember (and encourage your kids) to be aware when they are only focused
on the emotions of a situation, encouraging them to focus with their minds as
well.
Stay Positive to
Maintain High Self-Confidence
ü
Try not
to “make a mountain out of a mole hill.” Keep perspective and model this
for your kids, too.
ü
Practice
and encourage “fun failure.” This is the idea that even when you try
something hard or new, if it doesn’t work out, it’s okay and you probably
learned something from the experience. Express the idea that making a mistake
shouldn’t hold her back from trying again—self-confidence is the key to success!
ü
Express gratitude by FOCUSING on who you are and what you have, not
what you don’t. Saying “one thing we are thankful for”
shouldn’t be just reserved for Thanksgiving dinner! Make it a daily question
over dinner. It can be something big or small, and make sure to share real things
you are thankful for with your kids, too.
Take self-confidence to the next level! Remember, at Girl Scouts we build girls of courage,confidence, and character every single day. Our
program is supportive of all girls, and allows them to try new things, test
their limits, and develop their passions and so much more. Claim your girl’s
spot! Troops are forming now. Join or
volunteer today!