Confidence is something that is all too lacking in our children today. There are too many negative influences out there that can rip away a child’s self esteem. Peers who have their own insecurities can bring down others by bullying which can leave your child feeling insecure also. Here are five ways to keep your daughter’s confidence and self-esteem high while involving them in positive activities that give them purpose and meaning.
1. Extracurricular activities and programs. Involving your daughter in an after school activity is a great way for her to meet new friends and establish her own little social life. This gives her confidence in her world and through socializing with others.
2. Talk to them about their self worth. Let them know that it is perfectly acceptable to be themselves. Steer them away from conforming to what everyone else is doing. Inform them that being their own person is priceless and deserves to be celebrated. Make sure they know that it is good to stand up for what is right and what they believe in.
3. Encourage them to activities that build on their strengths. If your daughter is good at writing or athletically inclined, encourage them to follow those things that can both build their confidence but can also be useful skills to hone for later in life.
4. Expose them to things they’ve never done. Giving your daughter the ability to experience different things that are normally outside of her comfort zone will give her a more versatile ability to relate to most anyone. When she realizes that she can play the piano, speak Japanese and can paint, these sort of things can dramatically boost her confidence and she will have experiences she can reference when she meets someone with similar interests.
5. Teach them how to combat negative peer pressure. Peer pressure can dramatically impact your daughter in many ways. This is especially true as they grow older. Make sure they know that they should never apologize for who they are and should stand tall for their values, even at times when they may be standing alone.
