Raising Strong Daughters: Tips for Empowering Girls

A relationship between a mother and a daughter is significant and shapes the self-identity of the daughter from childhood to adulthood. It is important to nurture this relationship like a gardener nurtures the garden in all seasons. Whether you are aware of it or not, mothers actively guide their daughters towards a more fulfilling life while shaping their characters. This connection is the one that connects body, mind, and soul in a way that gives young girls balance and wellbeing in all areas of their lives. 

It must be noted that girls who are empowered psychologically from a young age are automatically empowered in other fields, too. This is because when girls start believing in themselves, which happens when they are psychologically sound, they get an insight into who they are in real life, they become aware of what is undesirable about their situation and how they could be in a better situation, and they realise what is within their reach and what they could do to improve themselves.

Psychological Empowerment Of Women 

In order to give our young girls psychological empowerment, we begin by helping them realise their potential. Eventually, they will begin to believe in themselves, which will boost their confidence. 

Perception of Effectiveness

Psychological empowerment involves individuals perceiving themselves as capable and effective in carrying out tasks, fostering a sense of confidence and competence.

Autonomy and Self-Determination

It includes freedom to choose, which is so important in this day and age. It helps them to make decisions autonomously and align tasks with personal values and goals, promoting a sense of self-determination.

Sense of Competence

Young girls who are empowered psychologically feel competent in their abilities, believing they have the skills and knowledge to succeed in their endeavours.

Impact and Influence

Psychological empowerment also entails individuals believing that young girls’ actions can make a difference and have an impact on their environment or circumstances.

Enhanced Intrinsic Motivation

It boosts intrinsic motivation by instilling a sense of control, ownership, and responsibility in work and everyday life-related activities.

Proactive Orientation

Psychological empowerment encourages a proactive approach to tasks where it is easier for girls to take initiative, seek challenges, and strive for continuous improvement.

Self-Control in Work Roles

It empowers young girls to become confident adults at the workplace who are ready to exert control over their work roles, leading to increased job satisfaction, engagement, and performance.

Belief in Making a Difference

Young girls with psychological empowerment believe in their ability to effect positive change and contribute meaningfully to their work and community. This helps them realise their dreams for themselves and their communities. 

How to Raise Strong Daughters?

When your daughter sees you believe in her, she begins to believe in herself and has the confidence to pursue her dreams. By demonstrating healthy attachment, celebrating her achievements, and providing emotional support, you are opening a world of opportunities for her.

Here are some words and actions that you can emulate in your daily interactions with your daughter: 

Model Body Acceptance

The first and foremost is understanding body image. Demonstrating body acceptance and avoiding focusing solely on appearance is the first step towards self-esteem. Complimenting traits like resilience, courage, and intelligence to instil confidence beyond physical attributes makes young girls courageous.

Celebrate Her Mind

We can show genuine interest in your daughter's thoughts and experiences. Encourage her to share her ideas and feelings, fostering a sense of value and empowerment. Make learning from her and with her a shared experience to enjoy. Encourage her participation in sports and challenging activities to build resilience, teamwork skills, and self-esteem.

Encourage Independence

When you support her in making decisions and solving problems independently, you foster a sense of independence. It makes them confident in their decision-making skills. It is also a great way to support your daughter in accepting responsibility for her choices and learning from her mistakes.

Promote assertiveness and healthy boundaries 

Encourage her to voice her opinions respectfully and stand up for herself, promoting assertiveness and self-advocacy. The idea of assertiveness goes well with boundaries to create a safe environment. Teaching your daughter how to create, maintain and respect healthy boundaries will help them keep them safe throughout their teenage years and into adulthood.

Promote Financial Literacy 

Teach young girls to understand the basics of money management, budgeting, and financial independence to empower them to make informed financial decisions. Start financial education at an early age to instil good money habits to foster a culture of financial awareness from childhood. 

Support Academic Pursuits

Nurture her academic interests, provide educational resources, and advocate for her educational goals to foster a love for learning and achievement. Support her in choosing diverse pathways and encourage her to pursue her dream. 

Encourage Critical Thinking

Stimulate her curiosity, encourage questioning, and engage in discussions that promote critical thinking skills and independent thought. Watch TV together, discuss media messages, and teach critical thinking to help her navigate societal pressures and stereotypes effectively.

Provide Positive Role Models

Surround her with strong female role models who exemplify resilience, leadership, and success in various fields. Emphasise the importance of their effort and perseverance over innate abilities, teaching her that challenges are growth opportunities.

Teach Emotional Intelligence

Help your daughter identify and express emotions constructively, teaching her to manage stress, communicate effectively, train her for problem-solving skills and build healthy relationships. You also need to avoid negative labels that could be damaging. It is important to remember that developing emotional intelligence takes time and practice. 

Create a Safe Space for Communication

Establish open communication channels where your daughter feels comfortable discussing any topic without fear of judgment or criticism. If they share something important and private to her, then respect their privacy.

Celebrate Individuality

Embrace your daughter with all her uniqueness, encourage her to pursue her passions, and celebrate her strengths and talents to build self-confidence and self-worth. Let her pursue the activities that she loves and get involved in them with her.